Robert Dawson (cricketer)
Encyclopedia
Robert 'Bob' Ian Dawson is a former English
cricket
er. Dawson is a right-handed batsman who bowls both leg break
and right-arm medium pace
. He was born in Exmouth
, Devon
.
in the 1988 Minor Counties Championship against Wales Minor Counties
. The following season
he played his first MCCA Knockout Trophy
match for the county against Dorset
. Dawson was a frequent member of the Devon squad in his early years and it was for Devon that he made his debut in List A cricket, when the county played Somerset
in the 1990 NatWest Trophy
. Dawson's first major outing was not a successful one, with Devon losing by a record margin of 346 runs and himself being dismissed for a duck
by Dutchman Roland Lefebvre
. A number of bright performances in Minor counties cricket caught the attention of Gloucestershire
and in 1990 he represented their Second XI, first playing for them in August 1990 against the Warwickshire Second XI
. Dawson made a further List A appearance for Devon in the 1991 NatWest Trophy
against Essex
, as well as playing a few more Minor counties fixtures before moving to Gloucestershire on a permanent basis.
Dawson's first team debut for Gloucestershire came in a Sunday League match against Nottinghamshire
at Trent Bridge
in May 1992. The following month he made his first-class
debut against Lancashire
at Old Trafford. Initially, Dawson was a regular feature in the Gloucestershire team. Primarily a batsman, in his first couple of seasons with the county he struggled with his batting form, averaging 11.00 and 21.87 in the 1992 and 1993 seasons respectively, although in the 1992 season he did record his maiden half century. The 1994 season was to prove to be Dawson's most productive in first-class cricket, making 16 first-class appearances and scoring 1,112 runs (the only time in his first-class career he would pass 1,000 runs in a season) at a batting average
of 42.76. Indeed, with this season it seemed that Dawson's potential was beginning to be fulfilled as he cracked a maiden century
, scoring 127*
against Cambridge University
and scoring seven half centuries.
The coming seasons were to see a reversal of his 1994 form as Dawson struggled for consistency. In 1995 he averaged 23.66 from 9 first-class matches, the following season just 11.75 from 7 matches. In 1997 and 1998, he played 8 matches in each season, averaging 23.50 and 13.61 respectively. By the time of his final season
with Gloucestershire, Dawson was playing mostly in the Second XI, playing just a single first-class match in that final season against Middlesex
in the County Championship
. Dawson represented Gloucestershire in 64 first-class matches, scoring 2,598 runs at an average of 25.50, which perhaps highlighted his inconsistency with the bat. In the process he scored three centuries and twelve half centuries. An able fielder, he took 31 catches.
Dawson was perhaps seen as more of one-day player, representing Gloucestershire in 116 List A matches between 1992 and 1993. Dawson's struggles with consistency were also present in the one-day game, labelling some to question his mental strength to play at the highest domestic level. Dawson's batting average in one-day cricket fluctuated between the mid-teens to the high-twenties; his average only went above 30 for a season in 1998
when he scored 677 runs at an average of 37.61, with a high score of 75. In his 116 one-day matches for the county, he scored 2,300 runs at an average of 23.71, with nine half centuries and a high score of 85. Dawson's contract was not renewed by Gloucestershire for the 2000 season
and he was released by the county, after making 180 appearances in total between 1992 and 1999.
3rd round against Staffordshire
. In the 2003 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy
2nd round against Cumberland
which was played in 2002 to avoid fixture congestion, Dawson scored his only List A century, making 138 runs. A mainstay of the Devon line-up, where he often opened the batting
, Dawson was made county captain
in 2003 and the following season he led Devon to what is perhaps considered their most famous victory. The match in question was a 2nd round 2004 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy
match against first-class opponents Leicestershire
at The Maer Ground
in Exmouth. Put into bat, Leicestershire were all out for 156 inside 50 overs
, with Dawson himself claiming the wicket of John Sadler. In reply, Dawson contributed a score of 42, helping Devon to be tied on scores with Leicestershire, but winning due to being 9 wickets down, therefore winning by losing fewer wickets. In the 3rd round there were heavily defeated by Yorkshire
, with Dawson scoring 52 runs, before being dismissed by Anthony McGrath
. He played his final List A match the following season against Essex in the 1st round of the 2005 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy
. Devon, along with the rest of the Minor counties were not permitted to play in domestic List A matches after this season.
During his time as captain he guided Devon to a shared 2004 Minor Counties Championship title with Bedfordshire
following a drawn outcome in a rain affected match, and in 2006 he captained them to an outright victory against Buckinghamshire
in the competition. During his tenure as captain, he also guided Devon to a single MCCA Knockout Trophy championship when Devon defeated Berkshire
at Lord's
in 2008, with Dawson himself scoring a crucial 96 before being dismissed by Carl Crowe
. Dawson captained Devon until 2009, when he handed over the captaincy to Neil Hancock
for the 2010 season
. Following the 2011 season
, Dawson called time on his county cricket career, having played a total of 105 Minor Counties Championship matches and 56 MCCA Knockout Trophy matches for Devon. His final appearance came against Cambridgeshire
in the final of the Minor Counties Championship, which Devon won by 169 runs.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
cricket
Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...
er. Dawson is a right-handed batsman who bowls both leg break
Leg break
A leg break is a type of delivery in the sport of cricket. A delivery of a right-handed leg spin bowler. Leg breaks are also colloquially known as leggies or wrist spinners, as the wrist is the body part which is primarily used to impart spin on the ball, as opposed to the fingers in the case of...
and right-arm medium pace
Seam bowling
Seam bowling is a phrase used for a bowling technique in cricket whereby the ball is deliberately bowled on to its seam, to cause a random deviation. Practitioners are known as seam bowlers or seamers....
. He was born in Exmouth
Exmouth
Exmouth is a town in Devon. It may also refer to:Places*Exmouth Peninsula in Southern Chile*Exmouth, Western AustraliaPeople*Edward Pellew, 1st Viscount Exmouth , a British naval officerShips...
, Devon
Devon
Devon is a large county in southwestern England. The county is sometimes referred to as Devonshire, although the term is rarely used inside the county itself as the county has never been officially "shired", it often indicates a traditional or historical context.The county shares borders with...
.
Early career
Dawson made his debut for DevonDevon County Cricket Club
Devon County Cricket Club is one of the county clubs which make up the Minor Counties in the English domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Devon and playing in the Minor Counties Championship and the MCCA Knockout Trophy....
in the 1988 Minor Counties Championship against Wales Minor Counties
Wales Minor Counties Cricket Club
Wales Minor Counties Cricket Club, representing the historic counties of Wales except Glamorgan is currently the only non-English member of the Minor Counties Championship in the England and Wales domestic cricket structure....
. The following season
1989 English cricket season
The 1989 English cricket season saw the re-emergence of Australia as a world-class team after it had struggled for most of the previous 12 years. Under the leadership of Allan Border, a very fine team had been forged that included Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor, Ian Healy, David Boon and Merv Hughes...
he played his first MCCA Knockout Trophy
MCCA Knockout Trophy
The Minor Counties Cricket Association Knockout Cup was started in 1983 as a knockout one-day competition for the Minor Counties in English cricket...
match for the county against Dorset
Dorset County Cricket Club
Dorset County Cricket Club is one of the county clubs which make up the Minor Counties in the English domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Dorset and playing in the Minor Counties Championship and the MCCA Knockout Trophy...
. Dawson was a frequent member of the Devon squad in his early years and it was for Devon that he made his debut in List A cricket, when the county played Somerset
Somerset County Cricket Club
Somerset County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Somerset...
in the 1990 NatWest Trophy
1990 NatWest Trophy
The 1990 NatWest Trophy was the 10th NatWest Trophy. It was an English limited overs county cricket tournament which was held between 27 June and 1 September 1990...
. Dawson's first major outing was not a successful one, with Devon losing by a record margin of 346 runs and himself being dismissed for a duck
Duck (cricket)
In the sport of cricket, a duck refers to a batsman's dismissal for a score of zero.-Origin of the term:The term is a shortening of the term "duck's egg", the latter being used long before Test cricket began...
by Dutchman Roland Lefebvre
Roland Lefebvre
Roland Philippe Lefebvre is the most successful cricketer that the Netherlands has produced, and one of the very few players from outside the Test-playing nations to achieve a significant career in the professional game....
. A number of bright performances in Minor counties cricket caught the attention of Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire County Cricket Club
Gloucestershire County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh national cricket structure, representing the historic county of Gloucestershire. Its limited overs team is called the Gloucestershire Gladiators....
and in 1990 he represented their Second XI, first playing for them in August 1990 against the Warwickshire Second XI
Warwickshire County Cricket Club
Warwickshire County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Warwickshire. Its limited overs team is called the Warwickshire Bears. Their kit colours are black and gold and the shirt sponsor...
. Dawson made a further List A appearance for Devon in the 1991 NatWest Trophy
1991 NatWest Trophy
The 1991 NatWest Trophy was an English county cricket tournament, held between 26 June and 7 September 1991. The competition was won by Hampshire who beat Surrey by 4 wickets at Lord's.-Format:...
against Essex
Essex County Cricket Club
Essex County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh national cricket structure, representing the historic county of Essex. Its limited overs team is called the Essex Eagles, their team colours this season are blue.The club plays most of its home games...
, as well as playing a few more Minor counties fixtures before moving to Gloucestershire on a permanent basis.
First-class career
Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club
Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Nottinghamshire, and the current county champions. Its limited overs team is called the Nottinghamshire Outlaws...
at Trent Bridge
Trent Bridge
Trent Bridge is a Test, One-day international and County cricket ground located in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, England and is also the headquarters of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. As well as International cricket and Nottinghamshire's home games, the ground has hosted the Finals Day of...
in May 1992. The following month he made his first-class
First-class cricket
First-class cricket is a class of cricket that consists of matches of three or more days' scheduled duration, that are between two sides of eleven players and are officially adjudged first-class by virtue of the standard of the competing teams...
debut against Lancashire
Lancashire County Cricket Club
Lancashire County Cricket Club represents the historic county of Lancashire in cricket's County Championship. The club was founded in 1864 as a successor to Manchester Cricket Club and has played at Old Trafford since then...
at Old Trafford. Initially, Dawson was a regular feature in the Gloucestershire team. Primarily a batsman, in his first couple of seasons with the county he struggled with his batting form, averaging 11.00 and 21.87 in the 1992 and 1993 seasons respectively, although in the 1992 season he did record his maiden half century. The 1994 season was to prove to be Dawson's most productive in first-class cricket, making 16 first-class appearances and scoring 1,112 runs (the only time in his first-class career he would pass 1,000 runs in a season) at a batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
of 42.76. Indeed, with this season it seemed that Dawson's potential was beginning to be fulfilled as he cracked a maiden century
Century (cricket)
In the sport of cricket, a batsman reaches his century when he scores 100 or more runs in a single innings. The term is also included in "century partnership" which occurs when two batsmen add 100 runs to the team total when they are batting together. A century is regarded as a landmark score for...
, scoring 127*
Not out
In cricket, a batsman will be not out if he comes out to bat in an innings and has not been dismissed by the end of the innings. One may similarly describe a batsman as not out while the innings is still in progress...
against Cambridge University
Cambridge University Cricket Club
Cambridge University Cricket Club is a first-class cricket team. It now plays all but one of its first-class cricket matches as part of the Cambridge University Centre of Cricketing Excellence , which includes Anglia Ruskin University...
and scoring seven half centuries.
The coming seasons were to see a reversal of his 1994 form as Dawson struggled for consistency. In 1995 he averaged 23.66 from 9 first-class matches, the following season just 11.75 from 7 matches. In 1997 and 1998, he played 8 matches in each season, averaging 23.50 and 13.61 respectively. By the time of his final season
1999 English cricket season
The 1999 English cricket season saw the Sunday League changed to a new format National League with games played midweek under floodlight.-Honours:*County Championship - Surrey*NatWest Trophy - Gloucestershire*National League - Lancashire...
with Gloucestershire, Dawson was playing mostly in the Second XI, playing just a single first-class match in that final season against Middlesex
Middlesex County Cricket Club
Middlesex County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Middlesex. It was announced in February 2009 that Middlesex changed their limited overs name from the Middlesex Crusaders, to the...
in the County Championship
County Championship
The County Championship is the domestic first-class cricket competition in England and Wales...
. Dawson represented Gloucestershire in 64 first-class matches, scoring 2,598 runs at an average of 25.50, which perhaps highlighted his inconsistency with the bat. In the process he scored three centuries and twelve half centuries. An able fielder, he took 31 catches.
Dawson was perhaps seen as more of one-day player, representing Gloucestershire in 116 List A matches between 1992 and 1993. Dawson's struggles with consistency were also present in the one-day game, labelling some to question his mental strength to play at the highest domestic level. Dawson's batting average in one-day cricket fluctuated between the mid-teens to the high-twenties; his average only went above 30 for a season in 1998
1998 English cricket season
In the 1998 English cricket season Leicestershire won the championship for the second time in three seasons while Lancashire performed the one day double.-Honours:*County Championship - Leicestershire*NatWest Trophy - Lancashire...
when he scored 677 runs at an average of 37.61, with a high score of 75. In his 116 one-day matches for the county, he scored 2,300 runs at an average of 23.71, with nine half centuries and a high score of 85. Dawson's contract was not renewed by Gloucestershire for the 2000 season
2000 English cricket season
The 2000 English cricket season was marked by the dominance of Surrey in first-class cricket and Gloucestershire in limited overs.-Honours:*County Championship - Surrey*NatWest Trophy - Gloucestershire*National League - Gloucestershire...
and he was released by the county, after making 180 appearances in total between 1992 and 1999.
Return to Devon
Following his release by Gloucestershire, Dawson returned to playing Minor counties cricket for his home county Devon. His first major match for them upon his return came in the 2000 NatWest Trophy2000 NatWest Trophy
The 2000 NatWest Trophy was the 20th and last NatWest Trophy before being renamed the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy for the 2001 version. It was an English limited overs county cricket tournament which was held between 2 May and 26 August 2000...
3rd round against Staffordshire
Staffordshire County Cricket Club
Staffordshire County Cricket Club is one of the county clubs which make up the Minor Counties in the English domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Staffordshire and playing in the Minor Counties Championship and the MCCA Knockout Trophy...
. In the 2003 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy
2003 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy
The 2003 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy was an English county cricket tournament, held between 29 August 2002 and 30 August 2003. The competition was won by Gloucestershire who beat the Worcestershire by 7 wickets at Lord's.-Format:...
2nd round against Cumberland
Cumberland County Cricket Club
Cumberland County Cricket Club is one of the county clubs which make up the Minor Counties in the English domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Cumberland and playing in the Minor Counties Championship and the MCCA Knockout Trophy...
which was played in 2002 to avoid fixture congestion, Dawson scored his only List A century, making 138 runs. A mainstay of the Devon line-up, where he often opened the batting
Batting order (cricket)
In cricket, the batting order is the sequence in which batsmen play through their team's innings, there always being two batsmen taking part at any one time...
, Dawson was made county captain
Captain (cricket)
The captain of a cricket team often referred to as the skipper is the appointed leader, having several additional roles and responsibilities over and above those of a regular player...
in 2003 and the following season he led Devon to what is perhaps considered their most famous victory. The match in question was a 2nd round 2004 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy
2004 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy
The 2004 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy was an English county cricket tournament, held between 28 August 2003 and 28 August 2004. The competition was won by Gloucestershire Gladiators who beat the Worcestershire Royals by 8 wickets at Lord's.-Format:...
match against first-class opponents Leicestershire
Leicestershire County Cricket Club
Leicestershire County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh national cricket structure, representing the historic county of Leicestershire. It has also been representative of the county of Rutland....
at The Maer Ground
The Maer Ground
The Maer Ground is a cricket ground in Exmouth, Devon.The first recorded match played on the ground was in 1874 when Devon played Will-o'-the-Wisp. From 1883 to 1889 the ground played host to eight matches between Devon and the Marylebone Cricket Club...
in Exmouth. Put into bat, Leicestershire were all out for 156 inside 50 overs
Over (cricket)
In the sport of cricket, an over is a set of six consecutive balls bowled in succession. An over is normally bowled by a single bowler. However, in the event of injury preventing a bowler from completing an over, it is completed by a teammate....
, with Dawson himself claiming the wicket of John Sadler. In reply, Dawson contributed a score of 42, helping Devon to be tied on scores with Leicestershire, but winning due to being 9 wickets down, therefore winning by losing fewer wickets. In the 3rd round there were heavily defeated by Yorkshire
Yorkshire County Cricket Club
Yorkshire County Cricket Club represents the historic county of Yorkshire as one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket structure....
, with Dawson scoring 52 runs, before being dismissed by Anthony McGrath
Anthony McGrath
Anthony McGrath is an English first-class cricketer, who plays county cricket for Yorkshire County Cricket Club. He is a right-handed batsman and bowls part-time right-arm medium pace and has twice captained Yorkshire, in the 2003 and 2009 seasons.-England:McGrath made his Test match debut for...
. He played his final List A match the following season against Essex in the 1st round of the 2005 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy
2005 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy
The 2005 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy was the 4th Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy, an English county cricket tournament, held between 3 May and 3 September 2005. The competition was contested by all 18 first-class counties, as well as 10 minor counties and the national teams of Scotland, Ireland,...
. Devon, along with the rest of the Minor counties were not permitted to play in domestic List A matches after this season.
During his time as captain he guided Devon to a shared 2004 Minor Counties Championship title with Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire County Cricket Club
Bedfordshire County Cricket Club is one of the county clubs which make up the Minor Counties in the English domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Bedfordshire and competing in the Minor Counties Championship and the MCCA Knockout Trophy. The Minor Counties play three-day...
following a drawn outcome in a rain affected match, and in 2006 he captained them to an outright victory against Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire County Cricket Club
Buckinghamshire County Cricket Club is one of the county clubs which make up the Minor Counties in the English domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Buckinghamshire and playing in the Minor Counties Championship and the MCCA Knockout Trophy. The Minor Counties play...
in the competition. During his tenure as captain, he also guided Devon to a single MCCA Knockout Trophy championship when Devon defeated Berkshire
Berkshire County Cricket Club
Berkshire County Cricket Club is one of the county clubs which make up the Minor Counties in the English domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Berkshire and playing in the Minor Counties Championship and MCCA Knockout Trophy....
at Lord's
Lord's Cricket Ground
Lord's Cricket Ground is a cricket venue in St John's Wood, London. Named after its founder, Thomas Lord, it is owned by Marylebone Cricket Club and is the home of Middlesex County Cricket Club, the England and Wales Cricket Board , the European Cricket Council and, until August 2005, the...
in 2008, with Dawson himself scoring a crucial 96 before being dismissed by Carl Crowe
Carl Crowe
Carl Daniel Crowe is an English cricketer. Crowe is a right-handed batsman who bowls right-arm off break. He was born at Leicester, Leicestershire....
. Dawson captained Devon until 2009, when he handed over the captaincy to Neil Hancock
Neil Hancock
Neil David Hancock is a cricketer currently playing for Unicorns and Devon.Hancock made his List A debut for Devon in 1999 and is now the captain for the county, as well as playing for local side, Sidmouth. He has played 10 List A games for Devon in the C&G Trophy which including minor counties...
for the 2010 season
2010 English cricket season
-External links:* from Cricinfo...
. Following the 2011 season
2011 English cricket season
The 2011 English cricket season began on 2 April with a round of university matches, and will continue until the final of the Clydesdale Bank 40 on 17 September. Three major domestic competitions are contested: the 2011 County Championship, the 2011 Clydesdale Bank 40 and the 2011 Friends Life t20...
, Dawson called time on his county cricket career, having played a total of 105 Minor Counties Championship matches and 56 MCCA Knockout Trophy matches for Devon. His final appearance came against Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire County Cricket Club
Cambridgeshire County Cricket Club is one of the county clubs which make up the Minor Counties in the English domestic cricket structure, representing the historic county of Cambridgeshire and playing in the Minor Counties Championship and the MCCA Knockout Trophy.The club is based at The Avenue...
in the final of the Minor Counties Championship, which Devon won by 169 runs.
External links
- Robert Dawson at ESPNcricinfo
- Robert Dawson at CricketArchiveCricketArchiveCricketArchive is a website that aims to provide a comprehensive archive of records relating to the sport of cricket. It claims to be the most comprehensive cricket database on the internet, including scorecards for all matches of first-class cricket , List A cricket , Women's Test cricket and...