William Evans

Who was William Evans?

William Henry Brereton Evans was a South African-born English all-round cricketer who played 66 times in first-class cricket in the early 20th century. He played county cricket for Worcestershire and Hampshire, as well as representing the Gentlemen against the Players, but he appeared most for Oxford University, whom he represented on 31 occasions. It is said in Wisden in 1913 that he was "one of the best all-round amateurs of his day." and that if he played more regularly, it is "quite likely" he would have played for England.

In the Malvern College First Eleven from 1898 to 1901, being captain in his last year, Wisden states that "he must have been about the best public school cricketer in 1901, as he headed the Malvern batting with an average of 51, and took 53 wickets."

He made his first-class debut for Worcestershire against Sussex in 1901 and took two wickets, his first victim being C. B. Fry. Evans' second-innings 53 also proved important, as the game ended in a draw with Worcestershire nine wickets down. In five further matches for the county he took only one more wicket, but he scored 107 against Gloucestershire at the end of August. Worcestershire's 342-run victory in that game remains their largest ever in terms of runs.