John Walker (Surrey cricketer)

John Walker (1768 – 3 September 1835), was a noted professional cricketer in the late 18th century. His career spanned the 1789 to 1806 seasons and he played mainly for Surrey and various representative sides, including MCC.

He was born in Churt, near Frensham, Surrey, and belonged to a cricketing family, his brothers being the more famous Tom and Harry Walker.

John Walker was a useful batsman who made 50 known appearances in major cricket matches. He scored a known total of 588 runs in 90 innings with a highest score of 35. He has also been credited with 22 catches and 1 (bowled) wicket. His fielding statistics are made uncertain by scorecards stating "c Walker" when he was playing alongside one or both of his brothers.

He continued to play in local cricket until his death which was caused by an accident on the field. He had tripped over a tuft of grass and ruptured himself. He died from complications nine days later, in Thursley, Surrey.

In "Scores & Biographies", Arthur Haygarth states that Walker lived in Thursley for 41 years and was a grocer because he had confused him with the John Walker that created the Johnnie Walker whisky brand.

External sources

* [http://www.cricketarchive.co.uk/Archive/Players/37/37861/37861.html CricketArchive record of John Walker]

Further reading

* Arthur Haygarth, "Scores & Biographies, Volume 1 (1744-1826)", Lillywhite, 1862