He debuted for Derbyshire in the 1887 season against Marylebone Cricket Club in May, and took two wickets in the second innings.

He played six more county matches in the season, but Derbyshire lost first-class status that year.

He played regularly in the County Championship in 1896 and from 1899 until 1903, but lost the best part of three seasons to illness.

Hulme was a left-arm medium-fast bowler and took 557 first-class wickets at an average of 23.99 and a best performance of 9–27.

He was a left-handed batsman and played 229 innings in 142 games with a top score of 59 and an average of 12.35.