He further established himself as a bowler in 1885, taking 64 wickets at an average of under 15 including with a memorable performance of 13 wickets for 48 runs against Yorkshire at Bramall Lane on a wicket described as "spongy" by Wisden. He bowled with a "deceptive flight" and had good control of line and length. As his career progressed Hearne developed into an off-break bowler after bowling leg-breaks began to cause injury problems for him. In 1888 he nearly headed the first-class bowling averages, taking 41 wickets at an average of under 11. At the same time he began to develop his batting skills, eventually developing into an effective all-rounder and scoring 15 first-class centuries.