This is a list of English cricketers who played first-class cricket between the 1772 and 1786 English cricket seasons . This spans the period between first matches to have been given retrospective first-class status in 1772 to the formation of the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1787. A total of 67 first-class matches were played during this period.
Cricket during this period became increasingly similar to the modern game, although bowling remained underarm until the 19th century. The first Laws of Cricket had been established in 1744 and in 1774 a revision of the Laws added Leg before wicket as a mode of dismissal.[ 1] The third stump was added after 1775.[ 2]
Cricket scorecards became increasingly complete from 1772 onwards and the players included are those known to have played in matches which were given retrospective first-class status between 1772 and 1786 inclusive.
Name
Seasons[ A]
Comments
Ref[ B]
Edward Aburrow
1772–1782
Played in 44 first-class matches for Hampshire sides.
Stephen Amherst
1783–1795
31 appearances, mainly for Kent . An important patron of the game in Kent.
Henry Attfield
1773–1788
Played in 20 first-class matches, most frequently for Surrey sides.
[ 3]
James Aylward
1773–1797
107 appearances, mainly for Hampshire, Kent and England XIs.
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
Baker
1777
Played one match for Hampshire. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 4] [ 5]
William Barber
1772–1777
Played in 15 first-class matches for Hampshire.
[ 6]
William Bartholomew
1773–1789
Played in four first-class matches, two for Surrey, one for Chertsey and one for an England XI.
[ 7]
James Bayley
1773–1783
Made four first-class appearances for Hampshire XIs. Other than his name, no biographical information is known.
[ 8]
John Bayton
1776–1777
Played in two first-class matches, once for Kent in 1776 and once for an England XI in 1777.
[ 9]
William Bedster
1777–1794
59 first-class appearances for a variety of sides.
Charles Bennet, 4th Earl of Tankerville
1773–1781
A leading patron of Surrey cricket. Played in 25 first-class matches.
[ 10]
Berwick
1779–1780
Played in six first-class matches. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 11] [ 12]
Blake
1773
Played in one match for Surrey against Kent. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 13]
Boltwood
1778
Recorded in one match for an England XI against Chertsey. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 14]
Henry Bonham
1778
Played a single first-class match for Hampshire.
[ 15]
Francis Booker
1773–1790
45 first-class appearances, mainly for England XIs and Kent sides.
John Boorman
1772–1793
Played in 55 first-class matches, mainly for Kent sides. Recorded by CricketArchive as James Boorman.
[ 16]
George T. Boult
1786–1795
Made 20 first-class appearances.
[ 17]
William Bowra
1775–1792
Made 50 first-class appearances, mainly for Kent and England XIs
William Brazier
1774–1794
50 first-class matches, mainly for Kent sides.
[ 18]
Thomas Brett
1772–1778
Made 32 first-class appearances for Hampshire.
[ 19]
William Bullen
1773–1797
Played 113 first-class matches, mainly for Kent and England XIs.
[ 20]
John de Burgh, 13th Earl of Clanricarde
1773
Played in a single first-class match for Surrey.
[ 21]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
Childs
1772–1774
Played in eight first-class matches, four for Surrey and four for England XIs. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 22]
Robert Clifford
1777–1792
71 first-class matches, mainly for Kent sides.
Samuel Colchin
1773–1778
Made 10 first-class appearances, five for England XIs, four for Kent and one for Hampshire. Nephew of Robert Colchin .
[ 23]
Collier
1786
One match for Kent Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 24]
Couchman
1783–1786
Two first-class appearances, one for West Kent in 1783 and one for Kent in 1786. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 25]
J. Cole
1784–1788
Two first-class matches, one for Hampshire in 1784 and one for and England XI in 1788. Other than a surname and initial, no biographical information is known.
[ 26]
Henry Crosoer
1786–1790
Eight first-class matches, mainly for Kent sides.
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
John Dampier
1786–1787
Three first-class matches for the White Conduit Club .
Davidson
1784–1787
Three first-class appearances, one for each of England, Hornchurch and Essex. Other than a surname, no biographical details are known.
[ 27]
John Brewer Davis
1773
Played twice for Kent before being knighted in September 1773.
[ 28]
T. Davis
1773–1776
Played six first-class matches for Hampshire as well as one other match for Hambledown Town. Other than his surname and initial, no biographical information is known.
[ 29]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
Gilbert East
1786–1794
Made 12 appearances in first-class matches.
John Edmeads
1772–1779
Played 17 first-class matches, most frequently for Surrey sides. Brother of William Edmeads.
[ 30]
William Edmeads
1775
Played one first-class match for Surrey. Brother of John Edmeads.
[ 31]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
William Fennex
1786–1816
Made 88 first-class appearances for a variety of teams, including playing 41 times for England XIs and 13 times for Middlesex.
Finch
1786
One first-class match for Kent. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 32]
George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea
1786–1804
Played in 128 first-class matches. A founder member of MCC and guarantor for Thomas Lord during the establishment of Lord's .
[ 33]
Jasper Fish
1773
Played a single first-class match for a Kent XI at Sevenoaks Vine . Is known to have played in two other matches between 1769 and 1777, and was buried at Sevenoaks in 1791.
[ 34]
John Frame
1772–1774
Played seven first-class matches for Kent, Hampshire and England sides.
[ 35]
Francis
1775
A single first-class match for Hampshire. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 36]
Richard Francis
1773–1793
Played 47 first-class matches.
[ 37]
John Freemantle
1780–1782
Played in seven first-class matches for Hampshire. Elder brother of Andrew Freemantle .
[ 38] [ 39]
James Fuggles
1772–1773
Appeared in four first-class matches, three for England XIs in 1772 and one for Kent in 1773. Other than his name, no biographical information is known.
[ 40]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
Gibson
1780
Played twice for Sir Horatio Mann's XI. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 41]
Gill
1772
Played in one first-class match for an England side in 1772 and is known to have played for Buckinghamshire in two matches in 1759.[ 42]
[ 43]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
W. Hall
1782
One match for Hampshire. Other than his surname and initial, no biographical information is known.
[ 44]
David Harris
1782–1798
A total of 78 first-class appearances, most frequently for Hampshire and England sides.
Isaac Hatch
1786
A single first-class match for Kent.
[ 45]
Hawkins
1786–1787
Four first-class appearances, including two for Hampshire, one for White Conduit Club and one for the Earl of Winchilsea's XI. Other than a surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 46]
Hodges
1781
A single first-class appearance for Sir Horatio Mann's XI. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 47]
Hogben
1781–1782
Six appearances in 1781 and 1782 for Kent sides. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 48]
William Hogsflesh
1772–1775
11 first-class matches for Hampshire.
Holness
1781
A single first-class match for East Kent. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 49]
Richard Hosmer
1780–1791
Made 18 first-class appearances, mainly for Kent sides.
[ 50]
Edward Hussey
1773–1797
18 first-class appearances, mainly for Kent and MCC sides.
[ 51]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
Irons
1778
Recorded in one match for an England XI against Chertsey. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 52]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
Lamborn
1777–1781
Played in 22 first-class matches. Was featured in The Cricketers of My Time .
[ 53]
George Leer
1772–1782
Made 44 first-class appearances for Hampshire sides.
[ 54]
Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of Richmond
1786–1802
A founder member of MCC, Lennox played in 46 first-class matches, most frequently for MCC, England sides and his own side. He was a guarantor for Thomas Lord when he established the first Lord's ground in 1787.
[ 55]
M. Lewis
1773
Played twice for Surrey. Other than his surname and initial, no biographical information is known.
[ 56]
George Louch
1773–1797
Played in 122 first-class matches for a wide variety of sides, with 39 matches played for MCC.
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
Sir Horatio Mann, 2nd Baronet
1773
Played in two first-class matches for Kent sides. More significant as a major patron of cricket in Kent.
[ 57]
Noah Mann
1777–1789
Made 56 first-class appearances, 39 of which were for Hampshire. Father of Noah Mann junior.
Mansfield
1778
Recorded in one match for an England XI against Chertsey. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 58]
T. Martin
1781–1783
Two first-class matches, one for Sir Horatio Mann's XI and one for East Kent. Other than his surname and initial, no biographical information is known.
[ 59]
Richard May
1772–1780
Made 13 first-class appearances mainly for Kent sides. Brother of Thomas May.
Thomas May
1772–1773
Played in five first-class matches for England XIs and for Kent. Brother of Richard May.
Joseph Miller [ C]
1772–1783
Played in 54 first-class matches, most frequently for England and Kent sides. Brother of Richard Miller.
[ 60]
Richard Miller[ C]
1774
Played in one first-class match for Surrey. Brother of Joseph Miller.
[ 61]
Mills
1778–1781
Played in nine first-class matches. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 62]
John Minshull
1772–1780
Also known as John Minchin, he played 28 first-class matches.
[ 63]
George Monson
1786–1792
A total of 10 first-class appearances.
Muggeridge
1774–1778
Played in four first-class matches for Surrey sides and twice in club matches for Coulsdon Cricket Club , once in 1775 and once in 1784. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 64]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
Page
1772–1773
Played once for an England XI in 1772 and once for Surrey in 1773 in first-class matches and is known to have played one other match for Surrey in 1768. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 67]
William Palmer
1772–1776
Played in 17 first-class matches, mainly for Surrey and England XIs.
Thomas Pattenden
1772–1783
Played 30 first-class matches, primarily for Kent-based sides. Brother of William Pattenden.
[ 68]
William Pattenden
1780–1786
Played five times, all for Kent-based sides. Younger brother of Thomas Pattenden.
[ 69]
Pemmell
1777–1781
Played in three first-class matches, two for England XIs and one for Kent, as well as two other matches for Kent against Maidstone in 1777. Other than his surname, which is also recorded by as Pemell and Pennell, no biographical information is known.
[ 70] [ 71]
Constantine Phillips
1773–1778
Played in three first-class matches, two for England XIs and one for Surrey.
Polden
1778
Recorded in one match for an England XI against Chertsey. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 72]
Richard Purchase
1773–1803
Made 113 first-class appearances.
[ 73]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
Read
1773
Played once for an England XI against Hampshire. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 74]
Benjamin Remington
1779–1783
Played in 13 first-class matches. Brother of Michael and Thomas Remington
[ 75]
Michael Remington
1781–1791
Made seven first-class appearances. Brother of Benjamin and Thomas Remington.
[ 76]
Thomas Remington
1780–1781
Four first-class appearances. Brother of Benjamin and Michael Remington.
[ 77]
Thomas Ridge
1772–1775
Made five first-class appearances for Hampshire sides.
Joey Ring
1782–1796
89 first-class matches, most frequently for Kent and England XIs. Brother of George Ring.
[ 78]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
John Sackville, 3rd Duke of Dorset
1773–1783
Made 23 appearances in first-class matches and was an important patron of the game.
[ 79]
Richard Simmons
1772–1779
Played in 13 first-class matches.
T. Skinner
1781
A single first-class match for Hampshire. Other than his surname and initial, no biographical information is known.
[ 80]
Jack Small
1784–1810
Played 144 matches, mainly for England and Hampshire sides. Son of John Small.
John Small
1772–1798
Played 111 matches. Father of Jack Small.
Richard Stanford
1780–1787
Played in eight first-class matches for Kent sides.
Lumpy Stevens
1772–1789
Played in a total of 83 first-class matches.
Peter Stewart
1772–1779
Played in 16 first-class matches for Hampshire sides.
[ 81]
Robert Stone
1773–1790
Played in 10 first-class matches.
Tom Sueter
1772–1790
Played 67 first-class matches, 54 of them for Hampshire.
Thomas Swayne
1778
Played in one first-class as well as club matches for Chertsey.
[ 82]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
Thomas Taylor
1775–1798
Played in 102 first-class matches, most frequently for Hampshire.
[ 83]
Townsend
1783–1786
Played in five first-class matches, twice for England XIs and three times for Kent sides as well as in two other matches for Kent in 1777. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 84]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
Richard Aubrey Veck
1776–1784
Played in 36 first-class matches, mainly for Hampshire sides.
[ 85]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
Harry Walker
1786–1802
101 first-class appearances, most frequently for Surrey. Brother of John and Tom Walker.
Tom Walker
1786–1810
Made 177 first-class appearances, most frequently for Surrey. Brother of Harry and John Walker.
Waller
1774
Played twice for Kent in first-class matches during 1774 and is known to have played in two club matches for Maidstone against Kent in 1777. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 86]
Webb
1781
Five first-class matches for Kent sides. Other than his surname, no biographical information is known.
[ 87]
James Wells
1783–1800
Played in 21 first-class matches, including 10 for Surrey and 7 for Hampshire. Brother of John Wells.
John Wheeler
1773
A single first-class appearance for Kent. Played in one other match for a London side in 1775. Other than his name, no biographical information is known.
[ 88]
Thomas White
1772–1789
A total of 33 appearances for England, Kent and Surrey teams. Involved in the Monster Bat Incident 1771 .
John Wood
1772–1780
Played in 23 first-class matches, mainly for Surrey.
John Wood
1773–1783
Played in 12 first-class matches for Kent and England sides.
[ 89]
Name
Seasons
Comments
Ref
William Yalden
1772–1783
Wicket-keeper who played 44 first-class matches, mainly for Surrey and England XIs
^ The range of seasons the player was involved in first-class cricket are shown.
^ Where no specific reference is provided references can be found on the player's article. Further information can be found in Scores and Biographies , Volume 1 .
^ a b Both CricketArchive and CricInfo credit Richard Miller with the longer career. This appears to be at odds with most other sources where Joseph or J Miller are recorded in the majority of matches.
Note that CricketArchive is a subscription only website.
^ A brief history of cricket , CricInfo . Retrieved 2019-01-29.
^ Littlewood AR (nd) The measurements of cricket , CricInfo . Retrieved 2019-01-29.
^ Henry Attfield , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Baker , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Haygarth, p.36.
^ William Barber , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ William Bartholomew , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ James Bayley , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-29.
^ J Bayton , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Earl of Tankerville , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Berwick , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Haygarth, p. 41.
^ Blake , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Boltwood , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Henry Bonham , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ James Boorman , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-21.
^ George Boult , CricInfo . Retrieved 2019-01-21.
^ William Brazier , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Thomas Brett , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ William Bullen , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-21.
^ John de Burgh , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Childs , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Samuel Colchin , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Collier , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-26.
^ Couchman , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-26.
^ J Cole , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-21.
^ Davidson , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-22.
^ Sir John Davis , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ T Davis , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ John Edmeads , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ William Edmeads , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Finch , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-26.
^ Earl of Winchilsea , CricInfo . Retrieved 2019-01-25.
^ Jasper Fish , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ John Frame , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Francis , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Richard Francis , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ John Freemantle , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Haygarth, p. 45.
^ James Fuggles , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Gibson , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Haygarth, pp.2–3.
^ Gill , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ W Hall , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-26.
^ I Hatch , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-26.
^ Hawkins , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-23.
^ Hodges , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-26.
^ Hogben , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-26.
^ Holness , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Richard Hosmer , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-23.
^ Edward Hussey , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-23.
^ Irons , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Lamborn , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ George Leer , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Charles Lennox , CricInfo . Retrieved 2019-01-23.
^ M Lewis , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Sir Horace Mann , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Mansfield , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ T Martin , CricInfo . Retrieved 2019-01-28.
^ Richard Miller , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Joseph Miller , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Mills , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ John Minshull , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Muggeridge , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Richard Newman , CricInfo . Retrieved 2019-01-24.
^ Ricard Nyren , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Page , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Thomas Pattenden , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ William Pattenden , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Pemmell , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ England v Hampshire , Scorecard notes, CricInfo . Retrieved 2019-01-28.
^ Polden , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Richard Purchase , CricInfo . Retrieved 2019-01-25.
^ Read , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Benjamin Remington , CricInfo . Retrieved 2019-01-28.
^ Michael Remington , CricInfo . Retrieved 2019-01-28.
^ Thomas Remington , CricInfo . Retrieved 2019-01-28.
^ John Ring , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-25.
^ Duke of Dorset , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ T Skinner , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-26.
^ Buck Stewart , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ T Swayne , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Thomas Taylor , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-25.
^ Townsend , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Richard Veck , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Waller , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ Webb , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-26.
^ John Wheeler , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
^ John Wood , CricketArchive. Retrieved 2019-01-27.
Haygarth, Arthur (1862). Scores & Biographies, Volume 1 (1744–1826) . Lillywhite.