 He played a further two matches that season, and another two the following year, but it was not until 1902 that he established himself in the Worcestershire side, replacing Thomas Straw as regular wicket-keeper.In that 1902 season, Gaukrodger played 24 times, including the aforementioned game for the Players at Harrogate; he failed twice with the bat, but pulled off two stumpings.In total he made 48 dismissals, a tally which was to remain his best, and nor did he ever surpass the 666 first-class runs he hit that year, which included 58 against the Australians at New Road.