Selby played in the first Test Match in Melbourne in March 1877, opening the batting and keeping wicket.

[3][4] Batting at number three, he scored 55 and 70 in the First Test of the 1881-82 series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

[6] Selby was a noted sprinter in his younger days, and won several major handicap races.

At cricket, when he was not keeping wicket his speed in the outfield made him an excellent fieldsman.

[7] Selby went on to become a pub landlord, but his financial dealings were unsuccessful and led to a run-in with the law.