Herbert Tremenheere “Herbie“ Hewett (25 May 1864 – 4 March 1921) was an English amateur first-class cricketer who played for Somerset, captaining the county from 1889 to 1893, as well as Oxford University and the MCC.
Hewett was educated at Harrow and Oxford, played for Somerset from 1884 and was appointed captain in 1889. Over the next two years, his leadership and performances as an opening batsman were instrumental in the county regaining first-class status and admission to the County Championship in 1891. He remained Somerset captain for a further three seasons, usually opening the batting with Lionel Palairet.
David Foot describes Hewett’s selection policy as captain as being one that was more dependent on the cricketing ability of the player than “of [the player’s] social charm and ability to drink into the early hours”—unlike some of his predecessors.
In 1890, his side were unbeaten against county opposition, winning the “Second-class County Championship”. Hewett led Somerset’s batting averages in 1890, during which the club won twelve and tied one of their thirteen matches against county opposition. Due to this record the county were admitted to the County Championship for 1891 after a unanimous vote, regaining their first-class status.
Photo from SCCC Players, Photographs and Statistics – available in the Museum and Library
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