Berkshire county cricket teams

Berkshire county cricket teams have been traced to the 18th century, although cricket was probably played in the county as early as the 17th century.

Although Rowland Bowen dates the first cricket match to be played in Berkshire to 1751, it is probable that, as in much of southern England, cricket was established in the county prior to this.^[a][1] A Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Hertfordshire side played two matches in 1740 and there are mentioned of the sport in Eton College records before this date.^[b][1] By the end of the 18th century Berkshire was a leading county team. The team is recognised as important during that time.^[2] Oldfield Cricket Club, which played at Old Field, Bray in the east of the county, also played eight matches between 1793 and 1795 which are considered important.^[3] Many of the same players who played for Berkshire sides also played for Oldfield, Bray and Maidenhead sides and the four teams, which never played each other, are generally considered to be the same sides.^[4][5][6][7]

A loose association of clubs in Berkshire was formed in the 1840s and the present Berkshire County Cricket Club was established in 1895. This club joined the Minor Counties Championship in 1896.^[1][8]