Frank Penn

Who was Frank Penn?

Frank Penn played cricket for Kent County Cricket Club from 1875 to 1881, and was considered one of the finest batsmen of his day. He played England's first Test match in 1880. He was selected for the Gentlemen against the Players in 1876 for both the Oval and the Lord's games.

Penn toured Australia with Lord Harris's side in 1878/9, but did not play in the only Test of that tour. However, in 1880, he was selected by Surrey to play in the Oval Test, in which he hit the winning runs.

Penn's career ended in 1881 when his doctor advised him not to run due to heart disease. After his playing career, Penn remained a mainstay at Kent, helping Lord Harris build up the club. He was President of Kent in 1905.