A right-handed batsman, accurate fast-medium bowler and good fieldsman, he made his first-class debut for Sussex in 1876 against Gloucestershire.
In 1878, on the recommendation of James Lillywhite,[1] who had captained England on their tour of Australia in 1876-77, Hide was appointed coach of the South Australian Cricket Association,[2] and spent five seasons in Adelaide, playing in all of South Australia's important matches.
In his history of Australian cricket Johnny Moyes credits Hide with a leading part in the early development of South Australian cricket: "He arrived in 1878, stayed for three [sic] years at a salary of £200 a year, and laid the foundation on which the future glories of the State's cricket were built.
[4] Hide returned to England in 1883 and carried on playing for Sussex until 1893.
Playing for Sussex against MCC at Lord's in May 1890 he took four wickets in four deliveries.