John Boorman (cricketer) facts for kids

John Boorman (born around 1754 – died 1 August 1807) was an English cricketer. He played cricket for 26 years, from 1768 to 1793. A cricket historian named Arthur Haygarth found his name in old records. Haygarth believed Boorman was born in Cranbrook, Kent. He might have lived in Sevenoaks for many years. However, he definitely died in Ashurst, Sussex. In his later years, John Boorman worked as a farmer.

Boorman was thought to be a left-handed batsman. It is not known if he bowled left-handed. Like all bowlers of his time, he bowled underarm. We don't know how fast he bowled. When he was fielding, he usually played at a position called "point."

John Boorman's Cricket Career

Many of Boorman's cricket games were not officially recorded. This was common for players in the 1700s. We know he played in 63 matches. Sixty-one of these were important eleven-a-side games. The other two were "single wicket" matches.

First Games and Early Success

Boorman's first recorded game was in May 1768. It was a five-a-side single wicket match. This game took place at the Artillery Ground. He played for a team put together by Sir Horatio Mann. They played against a team led by John Sackville. Boorman scored eight runs in this match. Sackville's team won the game.

A few weeks later, Boorman played in his first important match. He played for Mann's Bourne team. They played against Henry Rowett's Caterham. This game was on Westerham Common. One of the oldest scorecards from this time still exists. It shows that Boorman scored one run and then nine runs. Caterham won this match by 14 runs.

Playing for Different Teams

John Boorman mostly played for Kent. But he also played for All-England teams. In May 1787, he played for Middlesex. He was a "given man" for them, meaning he played as a guest player. This game was against Essex. It was the earliest known match played at Lord's Old Ground.

Boorman was the top scorer for Middlesex in both parts of the game. He scored 23 runs and then 37 runs. He also took six wickets in this match. Middlesex won the game by 93 runs. From 1791 to 1793, Boorman played in six known games for Essex. Some historians think he might have moved to Essex, but this is not certain.