C. H. B. Marsham

Cloudesley Henry Bullock "Slug" Marsham (10 February 1879 – 19 July 1928) was an English cricketer.

Primarily a batsman, he appeared for Oxford University and Kent, whom he captained to the 1906 Championship title.

Career

Born in Bicester, Marsham was a member of a strong cricketing family: his father C. D. B. Marsham played for Oxford University and the Gentlemen, his uncles Charles and Robert appeared for Oxford University, another uncle (George) appeared for Kent and his brother Francis played for both Kent and Oxford University. His son Algernon would go on to play for both sides as well.

Marsham was sent to Eton College in 1892, where he was taught the game by Mr R. A. H. Mitchell.^[1] He played in two Eton v Harrow fixtures, before moving to Oxford University. There, he was in the eleven in 1900, 1901 and 1902, captaining the side in his last year.^[1]

Marsham combined playing for his university side with appearances for Kent, making his debut in 1900 against Nottinghamshire. Described by Wisden as "a good, but not a great batsman",^[1] he was capable of fine innings under pressure. A prime example was his maiden first-class century — batting for Oxford University and chasing 327 to win, the university lost seven wickets and it was left to Marsham to salvage a draw, finishing unbeaten on 100.^[2]

Marsham succeeded Cuthbert Burnup as captain of Kent at the start of the 1904 season, and two seasons later Marsham presided over Kent's first County Championship win. The Daily Mail wrote of him "Kent have a captain who, although young in years, possesses the judgement of a veteran", while Wisden told of how he "inspired his men by fine example".^[3] However, by 1909 he had dropped out of first-class cricket, playing only sporadically until 1922. During this period, he also served as a captain in the Queen's Own West Kent Yeomanry during World War I.^[1]

Marsham died in Wrotham in 1928, aged 49.

References

External links

• Player profile: C. H. B. Marsham from ESPNcricinfo