William Bruce (cricketer)

William Bruce (24 May 1864 in South Yarra, Victoria – 3 August 1925 in Elwood, Victoria) was an Australian cricketer who played in 14 Tests between 1885 and 1895.

He made his debut in the second match of 1884/85 series when 10 of the Australian players went on strike. Bruce was a gifted left-hander from Victoria and, although he never made a century in his 14 Tests, he had an average of 29—very respectable for his era—and he established himself as a batsman of note.

Bruce "kissed his wife goodbye one morning in 1925, saying he wasn’t sure after she had asked if he’d be home for dinner ... his legal practice in difficulties, drinking more than was good for him, and battling depression, Bruce drowned himself in the sea not far from his home."