Cricketer. He is credited with the invention of cricket pads. He was a hop farmer by trade, but became famous as one of the greatest cricketers of the "round-arm" era. He played first-class cricket for Kent, and was popularly known as "The Lion of Kent". He was an all-rounder, scoring 4,955 runs as a batsman and taking 1036 wickets as a bowler. In 1836 he suffered an ankle injury before a match, and while batting his legs were also badly bruised by the fast-bowler Sam Redgate. He only narrowly escaped the amputation of a leg, and the incident inspired him to begin wearing padding on his legs while batting, he is therefore considered by many to be the inventor of leg guards in the game. He died of diabetes at age 54 and was given a full military funeral due to his membership of the Leeds and Hollingbourne Volunteers.
Cricketer. He is credited with the invention of cricket pads. He was a hop farmer by trade, but became famous as one of the greatest cricketers of the "round-arm" era. He played first-class cricket for Kent, and was popularly known as "The Lion of Kent". He was an all-rounder, scoring 4,955 runs as a batsman and taking 1036 wickets as a bowler. In 1836 he suffered an ankle injury before a match, and while batting his legs were also badly bruised by the fast-bowler Sam Redgate. He only narrowly escaped the amputation of a leg, and the incident inspired him to begin wearing padding on his legs while batting, he is therefore considered by many to be the inventor of leg guards in the game. He died of diabetes at age 54 and was given a full military funeral due to his membership of the Leeds and Hollingbourne Volunteers.
Bio by: js
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