George Strachan, who thirty years ago was one of the finest all-round players in the world, died from fever in January, whilst in charge of one of the concentration camps in the Transvaal. Scores and Biographies (Vol. XI., p. 95) says of him:-- "Is a capital batsmen, being a quick and lively hitter, and on several occasions has made excellent displays. As a field, at long-leg or cover-point, he is not to be excelled, indeed, many have pronounced him to be the best out in those positions.... He is also a pretty good slow round-armed bowler". From 1872, until 1880, he assisted the Gentlemen in their matches against the Players, and at The Oval, in 1875, he performed the extraordinary feat of bowling 39 balls for no runs and five wickets. In his early days he appeared for Gloucestershire, Surrey and Middlesex, and it was the desire to see him properly qualified for Surrey that led to the formulation of a regular system of qualification for county cricket in 1873. He assisted Surrey from 1872 until 1875, and again from 1877 until 1880, generally captaining the side, but afterwards appeared in the ranks of Gloucestershire, for which county he possessed a birth qualification, having been born at Prestbury, near Cheltenham, November 21st, 1850. He was educated at Cheltenham, and captained the cricket and football teams, besides representing the College at racquets.
Wisden Cricketers' Almanack