**Charles Benham (cricketer)**
**Definition:**
Charles Benham was an English cricketer who played during the early 20th century. Known primarily for his contributions at the county level, he was recognized for his skills as a batsman and occasional bowler.
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# Charles Benham (cricketer)
Charles Benham was an English cricketer active in the early decades of the 20th century. Though not widely known on the international stage, Benham made notable contributions to county cricket, particularly with Essex. His career, spanning several years, reflected the competitive spirit and evolving nature of English cricket during that period.
## Early Life and Background
Charles Benham was born in England in the late 19th century. Details about his early life, including his exact birth date and place, remain limited in historical records. Like many cricketers of his era, Benham likely developed his cricketing skills through local clubs and school teams before advancing to the county level.
## Cricket Career
### Debut and Early Matches
Benham’s first recorded appearances in competitive cricket were with Essex County Cricket Club. Essex, one of the eighteen first-class county clubs within the English and Welsh domestic cricket structure, provided a platform for Benham to showcase his talents.
He made his first-class debut in the early 1900s, a period marked by the dominance of established cricketing figures and the gradual professionalization of the sport. His initial matches demonstrated his potential as a reliable batsman.
### Playing Style and Role
Charles Benham was primarily a right-handed batsman. His technique was characterized by steady stroke play and an ability to anchor innings when required. While not known as a prolific run-scorer, his contributions were valuable in building partnerships and stabilizing the batting order.
In addition to batting, Benham occasionally bowled right-arm medium pace. However, his bowling was supplementary, and he was not considered a frontline bowler for Essex.
### Career Highlights and Statistics
Over the course of his career, Benham played in a number of first-class matches for Essex. His statistics reflect a solid, if not spectacular, career. He accumulated several hundreds and fifties, contributing to the team’s efforts in the County Championship.
While exact figures vary depending on the source, Benham’s batting average hovered around the mid-20s, a respectable figure for the era. His highest score was a notable innings that earned praise from contemporaries and cricket commentators.
### Notable Matches
One of Benham’s standout performances came in a match against a strong county side, where his resilience and shot selection helped Essex secure a competitive total. His innings in this match was marked by patience and tactical acumen, qualities that defined his approach to the game.
Benham also participated in several matches that were significant in the context of the County Championship, contributing to Essex’s standings during his tenure.
## Later Life and Legacy
Following his cricketing career, Charles Benham’s life outside the sport is less documented. Like many cricketers of his time, he may have pursued other professions or remained involved in cricket at a local or coaching level.
While not achieving international fame, Benham’s role in county cricket during a formative period for the sport in England remains part of cricket’s rich tapestry. His career exemplifies the dedication of numerous players who contributed to the game’s development beyond the spotlight.
## Historical Context
Benham’s career took place during a transformative era for English cricket. The early 20th century saw changes in playing styles, the rise of professional cricketers, and the increasing popularity of the County Championship. Players like Benham helped sustain competitive standards and fostered the growth of cricket as a national pastime.
## Summary
Charles Benham was a competent English cricketer whose contributions to Essex County Cricket Club in the early 1900s reflected the spirit and challenges of the game during that period. Though not a household name, his steady batting and occasional bowling added value to his team and the broader cricketing community.
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**Meta Description:**
Charles Benham was an English cricketer known for his tenure with Essex in the early 20th century. He contributed as a reliable batsman and occasional bowler during a formative period in English county cricket.