Harry Pickett
English cricketer (1862–1907)
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Henry Pickett (26 March 1862 – 3 October 1907) was an English cricketer who represented Essex for 17 years although only the last four were at first-class level. A fast bowler he was 'powerfully built' and 'bowled with a high arm'.[1] His most significant performance came in 1895 when he took all ten Leicestershire wickets for 32 runs.[2] These are the best innings figures recorded by an Essex bowler,[3] the fourth best in the County Championship,[4] and the ninth best in first-class cricket.[5]
Pickett pictured in about 1895 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born | 16 March 1862 Stratford, Essex, England | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | 3 October 1907 (aged 45) Aberavon, Glamorgan, Wales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Batting | Right-handed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bowling | Right-arm fast | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic team information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1884–1898 | MCC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1894–1897 | Essex | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career statistics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: CricketArchive, 14 July 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Born in Stratford, Pickett first played for Essex in 1881 but it would be 13 years before the county was awarded first-class status. In the intervening period he did make several first-class appearances for the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the first in 1884 against Sussex.[6] He played in Essex's first ever first-class match in 1894 but struggled in that first season taking 11 wickets at an average of 31.09.[7] The following season, Essex's first season in the County Championship, was more successful. He took 66 wickets, at 17.72, including the 10/32 against Leicestershire as well as five-fors in wins against Somerset and Hampshire.[7][8] Over the next two seasons he took 50 wickets at around 30.[7] He didn't play again for Essex following his benefit season in 1897, he played one match for the MCC in 1898 before two seasons of umpiring.[8][9] Following the end of his playing career he also coached at Clifton College.[10]
Pickett disappeared on 27 September 1907 and a week later was found washed ashore on Aberavon beach.[10] His death is listed as suicide.[1]
