John Mansfield (cricketer)
John Mansfield (dates of birth and death unknown) was a noted English cricketer of the mid-18th century who played for Kent. He was a good batsman who played for the same Sevenoaks club as Val Romney. Mansfield was adept at the single wicket form of the game which was very popular during his career.
He is first mentioned as a member of the strong Kent team that played against All-England at the Artillery Ground on 31 August 1747.[1]
In the 1749 season, Mansfield played for All-England himself, against Surrey. He appeared in a number of teams after this as a given man or as a member of a "best eleven", as well as in single wicket.[2]
He is last recorded playing in a five-a-side single wicket match at the Artillery Ground in 1754 and it is here that his first name is given for the only time in known sources.[3]
References
- F S Ashley-Cooper, At the Sign of the Wicket: Cricket 1742-1751, Cricket Magazine, 1900
- From Lads to Lord's – profile.
- Arthur Haygarth, Scores & Biographies, volume 1, Lillywhite, 1862