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John Wisden (5 September 1826 – 5 April 1884) was an English cricketer who played 190 first-class cricket matches for three English county cricket teams, Kent, Middlesex and Sussex. Although of moderate height (5 ft 6 in), Wisden was said to be the best all-rounder of his day. He made his first-class debut for Sussex in 1845 aged 18, weighing only 7 stone. Initially a fast round-arm bowler, his pace slowed in later years. While bowling fast, he took on average nearly 10 wickets in every game. In 1850, playing for the South against the North at Lord's, he took all 10 wickets in the second innings, all clean bowled (still the only instance of all ten wickets being taken "bowled" in any first-class match). He was also a fine batsman (4,140 first-class runs with a batting average of 14.12, an average which was very good for the time). As well as his heroics on the cricket field in 1850, he started his business – John Wisden & Co – selling cricket equipment. He soon opened a shop in London and added cigars to his range of goods. One of his closest competitors actually sparked the idea for a cricket publication since he realised the value of such a publication as an advertisement, and determined to produce his own: hence the beginning of the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack!

Some Frequently Asked Wisden Questions:
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An Introduction to Wisdens?

What are Wisdens?

What are the Different Types of Wisden Available?

How Have Wisdens Changed Over the Years?

Ten Interesting Facts for the Dedicated Wisden Collector!