Greatest Cricket Moments

MCC vs Cambridge University — Lord's, June 1836

1836-06-20MCC; Cambridge UniversityMCC v Cambridge University, Lord's, 20-21 June 18361 min readSeverity: Mild

Summary

The MCC v Cambridge University match at Lord's on 20-21 June 1836 was among the earliest fixtures in what would become the long tradition of MCC fixtures against the two senior universities. Cambridge, captained by the Hon. Charles Harenc, gave a creditable account against an MCC side stocked with senior pros, losing by an innings but achieving respectable individual scores.

What Happened

Cambridge had played MCC sporadically since 1820. The 1836 match was the first in which both sides fielded their nominally-strongest available elevens. MCC included Pilch, Mynn and Cobbett. Cambridge was led by Harenc — already a useful fast roundarm bowler. MCC made 287; Cambridge replied with 124 and 102, losing by an innings and 61. The fixture became annual from 1840 onwards and remained a first-class match into the twentieth century.

Timeline

1820

First MCC v Cambridge match

1836

Match at Lord's, MCC win by innings & 61

1840

Fixture becomes annual

⚖️ The Verdict

An early instance of the MCC v University tradition that would shape amateur cricket for a century.

Tags

#roundarm-era#early-victorian#mcc#cambridge-university#varsity-cricket#lords#1836#iconic-moment

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