Tom Walker (cricketer) facts for kids

Thomas Walker (born November 16, 1762, died March 1, 1831) was a famous English cricketer. He played for teams like Hampshire and Surrey. People knew him for his amazing defensive batting skills. He also helped create a new way of bowling called roundarm bowling. This was an early version of how bowlers throw the ball today.

Thomas Walker's Cricket Journey

Thomas Walker was born in a place called Churt, near Frensham in Surrey. People often called him "Old Everlasting" because he was so good at cricket. He was one of the best batsmen in the late 1700s. He was also a helpful bowler.

Many believe Thomas Walker invented the roundarm bowling style. The story says he and his friends practiced in a barn during winter. Walker found he could make the ball bounce more and change its speed. He did this by swinging his arm away from his body when he bowled. He quickly realized this new way made it harder for batsmen to hit the ball. Even though he couldn't get this new style fully accepted then, he started a big change in bowling. This change happened a generation later.

Walker was known for his excellent defensive batting. It was very hard to get him out. Once, a frustrated bowler named Lord Frederick Beauclerk threw his hat down. He shouted at Walker, "You confounded old beast!" Walker calmly told his teammates later, "I don't care what he says."

Another time, he faced 170 balls from a bowler named David Harris. Walker only scored one run from all those balls! This shows how focused he was on not getting out.

In a match at Bourne Paddock in August 1786, Walker played for White Conduit Club against Kent. He almost scored two centuries (100 runs) in that game. If he had scored five more runs in his first turn, he would have been the first person to do this. He scored 95 runs and then 102 runs. His team, White Conduit, won the game by 164 runs.

Walker also played for the "Players" team in the first two Gentlemen v Players matches in 1806. These were important games between amateur and professional cricketers.

His Cricket Family

Thomas Walker had two brothers who also played cricket. His brother Harry was a very good player. His other brother, John, played sometimes. Both of them also played for Surrey.

Tom Walker passed away in Chiddingfold, Surrey.