John Thomas Oscroft played for Nottinghamshire between 1867 and 1874. Born in Arnold on 24 March 1846, he was a younger brother of William Oscroft, who captained the County in 1881 and 1882. He was also the nephew of Thomas Oscroft senior, the first of the Oscroft family of Arnold to come to cricketing prominence.
He made his First-Class debut for Nottinghamshire against Middlesex in June 1867 at the Cattle Market Ground in Islington, London. A right handed batsman, he came into the side in place of the injured George Parr but could only make 0 and 3 in the match.
Oscroft was described as ‘a correct bat, with good defence, but very little hit, his play being tame and without his brother’s punishing powers. He usually went in early in the order and was not an easy wicket to get.’ He made 14 appearances for Nottinghamshire with a top score of 51 made against Middlesex at Trent Bridge in July 1867. His round arm, right arm fast bowling was only used occasionally and he took just three wickets for the County.
Oscroft also played many matches for the All England Eleven, particularly in 1867 and 1868, and appeared for club sides in both Lancashire and Yorkshire.
John Thomas Oscroft became the landlord of the Plough and Harrow Inn in his native Arnold. He died there of cirrhosis of the liver on 15 June 1885, aged 39.
April 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 113