Stanley Sproston

Who was Stanley Sproston?

Stanley Winfield Sproston was a West Indian cricketer who toured with the first West Indian touring side to England in 1900 and captained the side for much of the tour in the absence of Aucher Warner.

He made his debut in important matches for British Guiana against Slade Lucas's team in 1894-95. The next season he made his debut in the Inter-Colonial Tournament for British Guiana scoring 27 and 52 and taking a 4-5 in 4.1 overs against Trinidad. Early in the 1896-97 season he impressed again with 75* and 32 against Jamaica.

Later in 1896-97 he was selected to play for the combined West Indies team against Priestley's side and then played in the three matches for British Guiana against Lord Hawke's team scoring a career high 95.

He was described before the 1900 tour as "Twenty four years of age. Very good bat, combining sound defence with punishing power; useful change bowler, and good field anywhere. Has no superior as a batsman in the West Indies. Learned his cricket in England. Played for Richmond, Eastbourne, and Teddington. Played during the 1898 season, scoring 101 runs for Richmond against Upper Tooting, and 110 for Teddington against Hampshire. Average for G.C.C. last season 45.21". On the tour he was fifth in the batting averages at 22.22 but bowled just 12 overs. He was "a little disappointing, and not consistent in his scoring, but when he did get runs he made them brilliantly. His form at Worcester, Southampton and Liverpool was up to a high standard". He top scored in both innings against Worcester scoring 54 and 46, scored 86 against Hampshire and 118 against Liverpool and District. He captained the side in the 10 matches when Aucher Warner was absent with malarial fever. He never played again in important matches after the tour.