James Aylward

James Aylward was a left-hand batsman who was one of the key players at Hambledon and also played extensively for Hampshire. He is first recorded in first-class cricket in 1773, by which time he was 32, and his final game was in 1797, although he continued playing minor cricket after then.

Aylward played for Hambledon until 1779 when he was offered employment as a water bailiff by Sir Horatio Mann, whereupon he moved to Bishopsbourne in Kent and played for Sir Horace's teams.

Aylward is remembered for his remarkable feat on 18, 19 and 20 June 1777, when he scored 167 runs in one innings against the best bowlers and fielders of the day representing England . This score was a record for the highest individual innings in first-class cricket at the time, beating the 136 scored by John Small in 1775 and standing for 43 years until it was beaten by William Ward in 1820.

He is buried in St John's Wood Churchyard, close to Lord's.