Percy McDonnell

Percy Stanislaus McDonnell (13 November 1858 – 24 September 1896 ) was an Australian cricketer who captained the Australian Test team in six matches, including the tour of England in 1888.

McDonnell was born in London in 1858, son of Morgan McDonnell and his wife Frances Marie, née Bonham. In 1864 the family migrated to Melbourne, where he was educated at St Patrick's College, East Melbourne and Xavier College.

McDonnell was an attacking batsman and his averages are among the very best of his era. His top Test score of 147 was made in a partnership of 199 with Alick Bannerman at the Sydney Cricket Ground when the other 9 batsman in the team contributed 29 to the team score.

In 1886/87, McDonnell became the first Test captain ever to win the toss and elect to field. He had mixed results. England were dismissed for just 45, but nonetheless won the match.

McDonnell married Grace McDonald in Sydney in April 1891. They had two sons. He died of cardiac failure at his South Brisbane residence in September 1896, aged 37. His funeral proceeded from his home to the Toowong Cemetery.

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