Merritt Preston      

Full name Joseph Merritt Preston

Born August 23, 1864, Yeadon, Yorkshire

Died November 26, 1890, Windhill, Yorkshire (aged 26 years 95 days)

Major teams Yorkshire

Batting style Right-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm fast

Merritt Preston was a fast bowler and useful middle-order batsman who played as a professional for Yorkshire between 1885 and 1889. In 1887 he took 52 wickets at 18.73 which was enough to earn him a place in Arthur Shrewsbury's side to tour Australia, although he only played in seven games. He returned to enjoy his best season in 1888, taking 81 wickets at 13.50, including 9 for 28 in the end-of-season festival match against the MCC. He made only four appearances in 1889 and none in 1890. In November 1890 he caught a chill and died. He was 27. He was buried in Yeadon churchyard where, seven years earlier, Albert Ludy was laid to rest after being struck on the head in a club match by Preston nine days after getting married.
Martin Williamson

Jul 24, 1888

Merritt Preston

© Martin Williamson