After some mixed early performances for England, Hobbs' success against South African made his place secure, and by 1911–12, when he scored three centuries in the Test series against Australia and soon caught the eyes of the critics who judged him the world's best batsman.
In county cricket, he developed an attacking, dynamic style of play and was very successful until 1914.
His career was threatened by appendicitis, which caused him to miss most of the 1921 season. When he returned, he was a more cautious batsmen and used a safer style of play.
