John Evans (cricketer)

Alfred John Evans (1 May 1889 – 18 September 1960) was a cricketer who played for Oxford University, Hampshire, Kent and England. He was also an all-round sportsman who enjoyed success in golf and racquets.

Evans was born in Newtown, Hampshire. In a spasmodic first-class cricket career that lasted from 1908 to 1928, Evans, a hard-hitting right-handed batsman and medium-pace bowler, played regularly only when at university. By 1921, when he scored 69 not out for MCC against the all-conquering Australians under Warwick Armstrong, he was a very occasional cricketer indeed. But the innings earned him a call to the second Test match at Lord's, where he made just 4 and 14. He was never chosen again. He died in London.

Evans won perhaps greater distinction as a pilot with the Royal Flying Corps in the First World War, where his exploits in escaping from German prisoner of war camps led to a book, The Escaping Club.