Arnold Fothergill played twice for England in South Africa in 1888-89 in the games that were later designated as the first Tests between the two countries, though they were arguably not even first-class. Born in Northumberland, he was a left-arm fast bowler who migrated to the emerging Somerset club, which engaged Fothergill and Alfred Brooks of Nottinghamshire as its first professionals. Technically, he was not qualified: in 1881 Kent objected to his presence and he had to drop out of the side even though he was the club's best bowler. Somerset were accepted as first-class in 1882 and Fothergill, safely qualified, was their most productive bowler for the next two seasons. He was also taken on to the Lord's staff and played much of his cricket for MCC before Major Gardner Warton took him on his pioneering tour of South Africa. In the two Tests, he scored 33, average 16.50, and took eight wickets for 90. He is then believed to have returned to Tyneside.
Wisden Cricketers' Almanack