Henry Morley played in one First-Class match, for Notts v MCC at Lord’s on 24 and 25 July 1884. He scored 0 and bowled 1-9 and 1-20 over the two innings. A fast right-arm bowler, the Nottingham Guardian’s report of the match stated: “His bowling delivery is open at times to very severe criticism and in the opinion of many he is not much fairer than Crossland.” Sutton-in-Ashfield born Jack Crossland played for Lancashire between 1878 and 1887 and was a fast bowler who critics believed threw rather than bowled the ball.
Morley was born on 16 November 1852 in Edwinstowe and was for many years a blacksmith in the village. He played for Melton Mowbray against the All England Eleven in 1872. He also appeared for the Colts XXII against Notts in 1881 and 1882 and the Colts of England v MCC at Lord’s in May 1881. He died aged 71 years on 16 August 1924 in Edwinstowe.
He was not related to Fred Morley (1850-1884), the famous Notts and England bowler.
June 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 183