William Denison

Who was William Denison?

William Denison was involved in English cricket in the mid-19th century as a player, administrator and writer.

He was a member of MCC, for whom he played on a few occasions in first-class matches. Denison only played occasionally in major cricket. His career spanned the 1832 to 1847 seasons but he only appeared 8 times, scoring just 34 runs at 3.77 with a highest score of 12. He was more successful as a bowler and took 30 wickets at 12.41 with best figures of 6-72. He was apparently the first player brave enough to bowl roundarm slows in major matches, for which he acquired the nickname "Stick 'em up" Denison.

Denison is best known for being the original secretary of Surrey CCC when it was founded in 1845. He stayed in the post, which was then honorary, until 1848. He made one appearance for the club, in their inaugural first-class match against MCC in May, 1846.

He was a writer who reported cricket for The Times in the 1840s and was also on the staff of the Sporting Magazine. He wrote a book called Cricket Sketches of the Players which reflected his involvement with the All-England Eleven.