OTD 1919: Death of brilliant wicketkeeper Gregor MacGregor, who made 17 dismissals in his eight Tests for England

Former Scotland and England cricketer Gregor MacGregor died on this day (20 August) in 1919. McGregor was also a renowned rugby player who represented Scotland’s international rugby union. Although he was a modest batter, his wicket-keeping skills at first-class and international level were brilliant. 

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland on 31 August 1869, MacGregor did his schooling at Uppingham before matriculating at Jesus College, Cambridge in 1887. Notably, after graduation, McGregor worked at the London Stock Exchange. 

The right-hander represented several teams in first-class cricket, playing 265 matches between 1888 and 1907. He made his debut for Cambridge University against C.I. Thornton’s XI at Fenner’s and won Blues in all four years. McGregor also captained the county club between 1898 and 1907.

Coming to international cricket, the Scottish cricketer represented England in eight matches and scored just 96 runs at an average of 12.0. His highest score is 31. Meanwhile, McGregor has been able to shine behind the wickets, with 17 dismissals in eight Tests. He made his Test debut in 1890 against Australia at Lord’s. His last Test was also against the Kangaroos at Emirates Old Trafford on 24 August 1893. 

He also played club rugby for Cambridge University. He represented Scotland in the close-contact team sport between 1890 and 1896. Notably, he was selected by the Scottish Rugby Union to play for the national team in all three international matches of the 1890 Home Nations Championship. 

His final appearance was at Hampden Park, Glasgow, in 1896 against England. After retiring from the sport, he served as treasurer. McGregor’s death on August 20 shocked the cricketing fraternity. Had he lived another week, he would have completed his 50th year. 

It is noteworthy that MacGregor also tried his hand at writing about rugby. In Bertram Fletcher Robinson’s Rugby Football (London: The Isthmian Library, 1896), MacGregor contributed a chapter entitled “Full Back Play”. 

Also read: Death of Charles Bannerman, the first batter to score a Test century