Edward (“Ted”) Sainsbury (5 July 1851 – 28 October 1930) represented, and captained, Somerset County Cricket Club in the late 19th century. During a 10-year first-class cricket career, he also represented Gloucestershire and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). A right-handed opening batsman, Sainsbury was one of Somerset’s most talented batsman during their formative years. His slow underarm bowling was effective in second-class cricket, but in an era when overarm bowling was becoming the standard, he was used sparingly in the first-class game.
During his time at Somerset, the county gained first-class status. After being led for three seasons by Sainsbury’s Lansdown team-mate, Stephen Newton, Sainsbury was given the Somerset captain’s role for the 1885 season. A combination of poor results and not being able to raise a full eleven during that season led to the county’s removal from the first-class game, although Sainsbury remained as captain until 1888.
Somerset were reduced to second class status for three reasons: they had not organised and played enough first-class fixtures during the season, the performances were not what was expected from a first-class county, and they had not succeeded in fielding a full side of eleven players in all their matches. An emergency meeting was held in Taunton, during which a new club secretary was appointed, rules were altered, and wealthy benefactors were sought. Despite these widespread changes, Sainsbury retained the club captaincy.
In both 1887 and 1888, Somerset were rated as the best of the second-class counties, but at the Club’s AGM, a long discussion took place regarding the captaincy of the club. Sainsbury was unable to be present for the meeting, but had sent a letter advising that if he was removed as captain, he did not feel he could play for the county any more. His letter was not well received at the meeting, and it was decided to replace him as captain with another player who lived closer to Taunton, and able to play more county matches, Roe was selected as his replacement, with Herbie Hewett as vice-captain. Herbie Hewett taking over the captaincy in 1891.
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