The 1751 cricket season was the 154th in England since the earliest known definite reference to cricket in January 1597 (i.e., Old Style – 1598 New Style). Details have survived of nine important eleven-a-side and two single wicket matches. The earliest known references to cricket in each of Durham, Somerset, Warwickshire and Yorkshire occur in 1751.
The population of Great Britain in 1751 reached 7,250,000 and, although the figure was rising, the country remained a small rural society with London the only real urban centre. Cricket reflected this scenario as it was still essentially a rural game at this time with London Cricket Club at the Artillery Ground its one "big club" and "feature venue".
The following matches are classified as important:
The actual title of the match as advertised beforehand was Addington, Warlingham, Croydon & Cheam versus Ripley, Thursley & London. Wickets to be pitched at one o'clock and the game was arranged by the noblemen and gentlemen of the London Club. No match details were reported afterwards.
Kent had Tom Faulkner (Addington and Surrey) as a given man. All-England scored 26 and 122; Kent replied with 76 and 63. So 287 runs were scored in the match and this was a lot for the time, given the uncertain state of all wickets.
Rest of England: Stephens, Richard Newland, Edward Aburrow senior, John Harris, Joseph Harris, John Frame, Matthews, Perry, Stephen Harding, Stephen Dingate, A. N. Other.