Albert Moss (cricketer)

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First-class record
Albert Moss New Zealand (NZ)

Batting style	unknown
Bowling type	fast (right arm)
Matches	4
Runs scored	13
Batting average	2.60
100s/50s	0/0
Top score	8
Balls bowled	1,024
Wickets	26
Bowling average	10.96
5 wickets in innings	2
10 wickets in match	1
Best Bowling	10-28
Catches/Stumpings	6/0
First class debut: 27 December 1889 Last first class game: 8 March 1890 Source: CricketArchive

Albert E Moss (1853 - 11 December 1945) was a cricketer: a fast bowler who had a short first-class career of just four games, all in 1889-90, but who nevertheless holds a unique record: he is the only man to have taken all ten wickets in an innings on his first-class debut.

Born in Leicestershire, England, Moss moved to New Zealand after his father succumbed to tuberculosis, hoping to avoid sharing his fate. He made his debut for Canterbury against Wellington at Christchurch on 27 December 1889, and the following day took 10-28 in 21.3 six-ball overs as Wellington were dismissed for 71; he also claimed three wickets in the second innings as Canterbury won by 33 runs. His first-innings achievement remains (as of 2007) the only instance of ten wickets in an innings in New Zealand. ^[1] Moss took such pride in his achievement, especially as the ball was mounted with a plaque and presented to him by his cricket club, Lancaster Park C.C. .

He took thirteen wickets in his next three matches between January and March of 1890, and shortly afterwards stood for the only time as an [[umpire (cricket)|umpire]. Albert Moss was tried in the Supreme Court, Christchurch in August 1891, for wounding his wife with intent to murder. He was found not guilty on the grounds of insanity and remanded to Lyttelton Prison, "till the pleasure of the Colonial Secretary is known". He was released in early 1896 on condition that he did not contact his wife again and was deported to Rio de Janeiro. Hoping to redeem himself, he went first to South America and then to South Africa, working for the Salvation Army in Pretoria. By chance, his wife read an article about his work in the Salvation Army magazine, The War Cry, and, after returning the ball to him, herself went to South Africa and re-married him.

Moss died in South Africa at the age of 92, after which the ball was given to Lancaster Park, the home of the Canterbury club. It is now looked after by the Salvation Army, but an agreement has been made for it to be displayed at Lancaster Park on special occasions, such as the 125th anniversary of the Canterbury Cricket Association in 2002.