John Wells (cricketer)

For other people with the same name, see John Wells (disambiguation).

John Wells (5 January 1760, in Wrecclesham, Surrey – 15 February 1835, in Wrecclesham) was a famous English cricketer who played for Surrey.

Career

Wells was a top-class all-rounder who batted right-handed. He was a fast underarm bowler but it is not known if he bowled right or left-handed. He was a fine fielder who was good enough to keep wicket on occasion.

Wells made his first-class debut in the 1787 English cricket season when he played for All-England versus White Conduit Club in one of the earliest matches at the new Lord's Cricket Ground, which had just opened that season. He played until 1815.

Wells played for the Players in the second Gentlemen v Players match in 1806.

Family

His brother James Wells, an occasional player, also represented Surrey. John married Hannah Beldham, sister of the legendary William Beldham.

External sources

• CricketArchive

Further reading

• G B Buckley, Fresh Light on 18th Century Cricket, Cotterell, 1935
• Arthur Haygarth, Scores & Biographies, Volume 1 (1744-1826), Lillywhite, 1862
• H T Waghorn, The Dawn of Cricket, Electric Press, 1906