Malcolm Jardine

Malcolm Robert Jardine gained two great honours in the cricket world. In 1892, by scoring 140 and 39 against Cambridge at Lord's, he created an individual record for the highest aggregate in a University match; and his son, D. R. Jardine, captained England during the Australian tour of 1932-33 when The Ashes were recovered in the series of five matches made memorable by the Bodyline description of specially fast bowling, introduced with leg-side fieldsmen in a manner since copied by Australian teams without objection by England or adverse criticism. Malcom Jardine began cricket at Fettes, and when captain in 1888 he went ahead of all the other boys by averaging 77 with the bat and taking 24 wickets at 6.3 each.

Getting his Oxford Blue as a Freshman, he was captain in his third year, and finished his University career gloriously, although studies kept him out of all the home matches. He found his best form at Lord's, making 83 runs in the game with M.C.C. and then taking the principal part in a win by five wickets for the side captained by Lionel Palairet, and including C. B. Fry, then a Freshman. F. S. Jackson led Cambridge, who could look back on handsome victories in the three previous matches, and were again favourites. A good off-side player, Malcolm Jardine excelled with the off-drive, but on this occasion leg glances earned him most praise, and he adopted the unusual role, for him, of defensive player, because two wickets were down without a run scored when he joined Fry. During four hours and three-quarters he did not give a chance, and his 140 was only three less than the record of K. J. Key for the match at that time. When at school he bowled fairly fast, but subsequently used his fielding energy in saving runs by quickness after the ball and sure picking-up. He played a little for Middlesex.

Born in Simla, Malcolm Jardine returned to India with honours gained at Balliol College and the Middle Temple. After practising at the Bombay Bar, he advanced to various appointments until he rose to Advocate-General of Bombay. Returning to England, he was a prominent member of the Surrey club, of which his son became a distinguished captain, and was a Vice-President for several years up to the time of his passing.
Wisden Cricketers' Almanack