John Jackson

Who was John Jackson?

John "Foghorn" Jackson was a Nottinghamshire and All-England Eleven cricketer who was generally reckoned to be the outstanding fast bowler of the 1850s.

Born in Bungay in Suffolk, Jackson was affectionately known as "Foghorn". He was a powerful, if inconsistent bat and an occasional wicketkeeper, but he was best known as a rightarm fast bowler of fearsome pace and ability. Haygarth stated that his career, 'though rather short, must be considered most brilliant.' He was the first cricketer to appear in a cartoon in Punch.

He played for Nottinghamshire from 1855 to 1866 and also represented Kent in 1858. In 1859, he took part in the first ever overseas cricket tour when he was a member of the England team visiting North America.

His overall first-class career record covered 115 matches. He scored 1993 runs at an average of 12.61 with a highest score of 100. He took 106 catches.

Jackson took 655 wickets for 7491 runs at 11.52, taking 100 wickets in 1858 and 1860. His best innings analysis was 9-27. He took 5wI on 59 occasions and 10wM in 20 matches. He was only 33 when he dropped out of County cricket and latterly appeared for local sides against the All England Eleven.