James Bryant

James Bryant (dates unknown) was an English cricketer of the mid-Georgian period who played for Bromley and Kent. He also represented various England teams. A top-class player, he made at least 26 appearances in historically important matches, both eleven-a-side and single wicket. He was the brother of John Bryant, also of Bromley, where they were team-mates of Robert Colchin.

Bryant has never been recognised as a bowler, so it must be assumed he was a specialist batsman. It is not known if he was right- or left-handed. If he did bowl, he used an underarm action. The actual length of his career is uncertain, but there were 26 important matches between 1744 and 1751 in which he definitely appeared: 15 eleven-a-side, and eleven under single wicket rules.

Career 1744—first reference In June 1744, 'J. Bryant' (first name not recorded) played for Surrey & Sussex against London at the Artillery Ground, the match which left the world's earliest-known scorecard. He scored 5 and 10 to help his team win by 55 runs. Two weeks later, 'J. Bryant' scored 12 and 7 for England against Kent, also at the Artillery Ground; Kent won by one wicket.

On Monday, 1 October, a three-a-side single wicket match was played on the Artillery Ground "for a considerable sum".

In early August 1747, there were two single wicket matches at the Artillery Ground which were organised by the 2nd Duke of Richmond. In the first, three of his employees Stephen Dingate, Joseph Rudd, and Pye defeated Little and Tall Bennett, and William Anderson. In the second, the same threes were to play again but in a "fives" match with the two Bryant brothers added to the Duke's team, and with Faulkner and one—either Joe or John—of the Harris brothers to their opponents. The result of the second game is unknown.