A. P. Lucas
A stylish English batsman whose elegant career spanned over three decades, representing a who's-who of county teams and earning a handful of Test caps.
1857–1923 (age 66)·English first-class cricketer·Birthday: February 20
Biography
Known affectionately as 'Bunny' to teammates and fans, A.P. Lucas carved out a reputation as one of the most graceful and consistent amateur batsmen of the late Victorian era. His first-class journey began at Cambridge University and unfolded across the premier county clubs of Surrey, Middlesex, and finally Essex, where he served as captain. Lucas was not a power hitter but a technician, prized for his sound defense and ability to build an innings. His refined skill earned him five Test match appearances for England in the 1880s, including a memorable debut against Australia at Lord's. His longevity was extraordinary; he remained a competitive first-class player until he was 50, a testament to his enduring skill and deep love for the game's traditions.
#1 When A. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1857
A.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1857Born
1862Started school
President: Abraham Lincoln
1870Became a teenager
President: Ulysses S. Grant
1873Could drive
President: Ulysses S. Grant
1875Could vote
President: Ulysses S. Grant
1878Turned 21
President: Rutherford B. Hayes
1887Turned 30
President: Grover Cleveland
1897Turned 40
President: William McKinley
1907Turned 50
Financial panic grips Wall Street
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1917Turned 60
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Died at 66
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
Key Achievements
- Played five Test matches for England between 1884 and 1886, scoring 157 runs at an average of 22.42.
- Scored over 14,000 first-class runs in a career spanning 34 years from 1874 to 1907.
- Captained Essex County Cricket Club from 1894 to 1899.
- Represented Cambridge University in the annual Varsity Match against Oxford.
Did You Know?
He was also a skilled rackets player, winning the British amateur rackets championship.
His nickname 'Bunny' is believed to have originated from his childhood surname 'Bun'.
He was the father of British tennis player and Wimbledon competitor J.G.P. Lucas.
“A straight bat and a quiet mind are the foundations of good cricket.”
