John Thomas Oscroft (24 March 1846 – 15 June 1885) was an English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Nottinghamshire between 1867 and 1874. He was the brother of William Oscroft, who later captained Nottinghamshire from 1881 to 1882.^[1]

Career

Oscroft was a batsman, who occasionally bowled roundarm fast.^[2] Oscroft made his first-class debut in 1867, as a replacement for the injured George Parr.^[2] It was a county match between Nottinghamshire and Middlesex, and Oscroft made scores of 0 and 3.^[3] In 1868, Oscroft made an appearance for Beeston Cricket Club against Wirksworth Cricket Club. Oscroft score 0 opening the batting, ad took two wickets.^[4] The following year, Oscroft represented the All England Eleven along with his brother William; the match against a United All England Eleven was in benefit of George Anderson, and was heavily rain-affected. Oscroft did not bat or bowl, although he took a catch to dismiss George Summers.^[5] Oscroft also played professional cricket for Wellington College,^[6] and in 1872, Oscroft umpired a one-day match between Accrington and Burnley.^[7] He also played club cricket in Lancashire and Yorkshire.^[2]

Personal life

Oscroft was born on 24 March 1846, in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, England. He was the brother of William Oscroft, who later captained Nottingamshire. Aside from cricket, he owned a pub in Arnold. He died on 15 June 1885 of liver cirrhosis.^[2]