Butcher (Surrey cricketer)

Butcher (dates unknown) refers to an English cricketer who was one of the most outstanding professional bowlers of the late 18th century. No personal details have been traced and knowledge of him is limited to what is in match reports and scorecards.

Butcher played mostly for Surrey but it seems he was also engaged by MCC on its ground staff and he did play for MCC on a few occasions.

He made his known debut in the 1787 season when he played as a given man for Essex against Middlesex and took ten wickets in the match (these were his bowled victims only; the bowler was not credited with wickets falling to catches). His known total of wickets for the 1787 season was 24 and only the famous David Harris with 29 had more.

Butcher made 24 known appearances in major matches between 1787 and 1793.

References

Fresh Light on 18th Century Cricket by G B Buckley (FL18)
The Dawn of Cricket by H T Waghorn (WDC)
Scores & Biographies, Volume 1 by Arthur Haygarth (SBnnn)

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