C. H. B. Marsham

Cloudesley Henry Bullock Marsham (10 February 1879 – 19 July 1928), also known as Slug Marsham, was an English amateur cricketer. Primarily a batsman, he played for Kent County Cricket Club between 1900 and 1922 and is most notable for having captained the Kent side to the county's first County Championship title in 1906. Marsham served as a captain in the West Kent Yeomanry during the First World War. Early life Marsham was born in Stoke Lyne near Bicester in Oxfordshire in 1879. He was born into a well-established cricketing family which had been associated with Kent cricket for over a century. His father, Cloudesley Dewar Bullock Marsham, played for Oxford University, the Gentlemen, MCC and England and was described as "the best Gentleman bowler of his day". His uncles Charles and Robert played first-class cricket for Oxford University, another uncle (George) appeared for Kent and his brother Francis played for both Kent and Oxford University. His son Algernon would go on to play for both sides as well. Marsham grew up in Harrietsham and was sent to Eton College in 1892, where he played for the school First XI. He played in two Eton v Harrow fixtures, before going on to study at Christ Church, Oxford. He played first-class cricket for Oxford University from 1900 to 1902, winning his Blue in 1900 and captaining the side in 1902, his final year at university. He played in Varsity Matches for the university, scoring 100 not out in 1901, saving the game for Oxford in the process. Cricket career Marsham combined playing for Oxford with appearances for Kent, making his debut in 1900 against Nottinghamshire. He was capped in 1902 and succeeded Cuthbert Burnup as captain of Kent at the start of the 1904 season. In 1906 he led Kent to their first County Championship title. The Daily Mail wrote of him "Kent have a captain who, although young in years, possesses the judgement of a veteran", while Wisden told of how he "inspired his men by fine example". He played most frequently for the county whilst he was captain, although he was part of three County Championship winning sides. In 1908 he became the first Kent player to be appointed a Test selector.