William Fennex

William Fennex (born c.1764 – 4 March 1838) was an English cricketer. A noted all-rounder and fast bowler, he is known to have played between 1784 and 1816.^[1][2]

As a batsman, Fennex is believed to be one of the first bat by moving forward towards the ball, aiming to play forward drives.^[1] As a bowler, at a time when only underarm bowling was permitted, he was said to have the highest delivery of anybody, "his hand, when propelling the ball, being nearly on a level with his shoulder".^[3]

Born at Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire in about 1764, Fennex began his working life as a blacksmith. He stood five feet ten inches tall and was described as "muscular and abstemious".^[3] He played for a number of sides, including in matches which have now been given first-class cricket status from 1786, going on to play most frequently for England and Middlesex sides^[2] and was groundsman of the cricket ground at Uxbridge. He made 88 first-class appearances,^[2] including playing in the inaugural Gentlemen v Players match in 1806.^[4] In total he scored 1,928 runs and took at least 145 wickets.^[2]

Fennex kept the Portman Arms inn at Marylebone for a time, and in old age was employed as a gardener and groundsman.^[3] Fennex died at Stepney in 1838.^[1]