Fred Grace      

Full name George Frederick Grace

Born December 13, 1850, Downend, Bristol

Died September 22, 1880, Basingstoke, Hampshire (aged 29 years 284 days)

Major teams England, Gloucestershire

Batting style Right-hand bat

Relation Brother - H Grace, Brother - EM Grace, Brother - WG Grace, Cousin - GHB Gilbert, Cousin - WR Gilbert, Nephew - AH Grace, Nephew - WG Grace jnr, Nephew - CB Grace, Nephew - NV Grace

The youngest of the Grace brothers to play Tests, Fred Grace never had the chance to realise his potential. A more attractive bat than his two illustrious brothers, he liked to hit, but lacked the concentration and resolve that allowed EM and above all WG to build big innings. He was an effective bowler and a fine deep field. He was a tall man, favouring mutton chop whiskers rather than the full beard of WG. He toured Australia with WG's team in 1873 with some success. The three brothers played together in the first Test played against Australia in England - Fred got a pair, but took a memorable catch on the boundary to dismiss Bonnor (the batsmen had turned for their third run before the ball descended into his hands). Two weeks later he was dead of pneumonia at the age of 30, contracted when he slept on a damp matress. He was training to be a doctor at the time of his death.
Cricinfo staff

1928

Fred Grace

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