Frederick William Tate: The Cricketer Who Dropped the Catch
Frederick William Tate (24 July 1867 – 24 February 1943) was an English cricketer who played in one Test in 1902. He is remembered for dropping a crucial catch in that match at Old Trafford, a moment that contributed to England’s defeat by 3 runs and the loss of the series.
Early Life and Education
Tate was born on 24 July 1867. Beyond his birth date, the historical record offers little detail about his early years or formal education.
Career and Achievements
Tate’s first-class cricket career with Sussex spanned from 1887 to 1905. A bowler of off-spin delivered at brisk pace, he accumulated 1,331 first-class wickets at an average of 21.55. His best innings figures were 9–73. In 1902, he earned selection for England’s Test team, appearing in the match against Australia at Old Trafford.
Following his retirement from playing, Tate became coach at Derbyshire. Later, he ran a pub in Derby, a venture he maintained until 1937.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Tate’s cricket life came during England’s second innings in the 1902 Test at Old Trafford. With England needing eight runs for victory and having lost nine wickets, Tate joined Wilfred Rhodes at the crease. His first ball, struck off the bowling of Saunders, edged for four runs. However, on receiving the fourth ball, he was bowled out, ending England’s hopes. The match concluded with Australia winning by 3 runs and claiming the series.
Tate’s dropped catch occurred earlier in the match when he failed to hold a swerving lofted pull from Australian captain Joe Darling, bowled by Len Braund. The catch, struck just forward of square leg near the refreshment stall and slightly in from the boundary, would have altered the match’s outcome. The patch of turf where the catch was dropped was later preserved and relocated to the pavilion lawn at Whalley Range Cricket Club after Old Trafford lifted its playing area in August 2008.
Additional Resources
Tate’s legacy remains intertwined with one of cricket’s most dramatic moments. More detailed information about his career, the 1902 Test match, and his family’s involvement in cricket can be found through cricket history archives and biographical databases, particularly those documenting English cricket in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
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