Mitcham Cricket Club pavilion. The green itself is behind the photographer.

Mitcham Cricket Club is reported by The Independent to be the oldest cricket club in existence, with the club having played cricket on Mitcham Cricket Green since 1685.[1] The club was reportedly watched by Lord Nelson during his time in the area.[2]

Four players from the club have played for the England cricket team, fast bowler Tom Richardson; batsman Andy Sandham; and wicketkeeper Herbert Strudwick,[3] and opening batsman David Smith, who played for Mitcham CC at Colts level. The ladies team was the local club for Molly Hide, who captained England for 17 years and later became president of the Women's Cricket Association.[4][5]

References

  1. ^ Shaw, Phil (12 July 2002). "Cricket: After 400 years, history is made next to the A323". The Independent. p. 12. Retrieved 28 March 2018. Mitcham Green has been in continual use as a cricket venue for 317 years
  2. ^ "Mitcham Cricket Ground". Heritage Sites. London Borough of Merton. 18 October 2006. Retrieved 6 February 2007.
  3. ^ Shaw, Phil (12 July 2002). "Cricket: After 400 years, history is made next to the A323". The Independent. p. 12. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  4. ^ Flint, Rachael Heyhoe (14 September 1995). "Obituary: Molly Hide A flashing blade in far pavilions". The Guardian. p. 015.
  5. ^ "Molly Hide;Obituary". The Times. 14 September 1995. p. 1.

External links

51°24′02″N 0°09′59″W / 51.4005°N 0.1665°W / 51.4005; -0.1665