Joseph Frank

Joseph Frank (December 27, 1857–October 22, 1940) was a first class cricketer who played one match for Yorkshire County Cricket Club in 1881 against I Zingari at Scarborough. He also played first class cricket for Gentlemen of England in 1883 and 1886, the Gentlemen in 1883, the Rest of England in 1883 and AJ Webbe's XI 1887.

He came from a cricketing family, his elder brother Benjamin and his father played good club cricket, Joseph playing with Duncombe Park C.C. In total he played in seven first-class matches. His bowling was fast but his action was suspect and his biggest impact in the sport came when he played for Scarborough & District against the Australians in 1880 and damaged the demon Fred Spofforth’s finger so badly that it prevented him from playing in the famous Oval Test. His cousin Robert Frank of Pickering played 19 times for Yorkshire and captained the Yorkshire 2nd XI 1900-14. Joseph became a successful timber merchant.

Born on December 27, 1857 in Helmsley, Yorkshire and educated in Ripon, he died there on October 22, 1940, aged 82.

A right arm fast medium bowler, he took 9 wickets at 28.66 with a best of 3 for 70 against Oxford University. Batting left handed, he scored 198 runs at 16.5 with a top score of 46 against a Nottinghamshire and Lancashire combined side.

References

* [http://content-www.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/13188.html Cricinfo Profile]
* [http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/29/29528/29528.html Cricket Archive Statistics]
* [http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Pictures/0/928.html A shooting party with Joseph Frank and Ranji]