John Bryant (cricketer)

John Bryant (born c. 1717, probably at Bromley, Kent; died 23 July 1772, probably at Bromley) was an English professional cricketer who played in top-class matches through the 1740s and 1750s. He was mainly associated with Bromley Cricket Club and Kent. Although information about his career is limited by a lack of surviving data, he is known to have made nineteen single wicket and thirteen first-class appearances between 1743 and 1756. His brother was James Bryant.
Earliest mentions
The first definite mention of John Bryant is in the single wicket "threes" match at the Artillery Ground on Monday, 11 July 1743. The six players involved were stated by the London Evening Post to be "the best in England". They were William Hodsoll, John Cutbush and Val Romney playing as Three of Kent; and Richard Newland, William Sawyer and John Bryant playing as Three of All-England. Hodsoll and Newland were the captains. Kent won by 2 runs. The crowd was "computed" (sic) to be 10,000. A return match was arranged at Sevenoaks Vine on Wednesday, 27 July, but it did not come off.
1748 was the great year of single wicket, which has never been more popular before or since. There were five matches in which both Bryants took part and one which featured John only.
In 1749, the brothers were "given men" playing for Surrey against All-England and then both played for Colchin's invitation XI against Stephen Dingate's team. He died on 23 July 1772.

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