When we think of cricket legends, we often remember the big names. But there are many who worked hard behind the scenes. Matthew Fosh is one such name, known for his skill and kindness both on and off the field.
Matthew Kailey Fosh was born on September 26, 1957, in Essex, England. He didn’t just play cricket; he showed what it means to be a true sportsman. His left-handed batting style won fans’ hearts. He played in 30 first-class and 16 List A matches, scoring 1,069 runs with an average of 23.23.
But Matthew didn’t stop at cricket. He moved into the business world, using his strategic thinking. His story is one of growth, facing challenges, and making a lasting impact.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew Fosh, born on September 26, 1957, in Essex, England.
- Played 30 first-class matches and 16 List A matches.
- Scored 1,069 runs in first-class cricket with a batting average of 23.23.
- Transitioned from cricket to a successful business career.
- An inspirational figure both on and off the pitch.
Early Life and Education
Matthew Kailey Fosh was born on September 26, 1957, in Epping, Essex, England. He showed great talent in school and sports from a young age. His life story is a mix of family background and his own achievements.
Family Background
Matthew’s family was known for their business. His dad, Arthur Fosh, ran Fosh & Cross, a big printing company. This family support helped Matthew do well in school and sports.
Schooling at Harrow School
Matthew went to Harrow School, famous for its tough classes and sports. He really stood out there. He was known for his amazing cricket skills.
He even set a record for the highest score in the Eton v Harrow match. He scored 161 not out, a record since World War I.
Matthew did more than just play sports. He was also a trustee of the Harrow Development Trust. His time at Harrow prepared him for future success.
Cambridge University Years
After Harrow, Matthew went to Magdalene College, Cambridge University. He got a Bachelor of Arts degree there. He was great at sports too, earning a double blue for cricket and rugby.
His years at Cambridge were full of growth and achievements. He played in the 1978 and 1979 Varsity Matches. These experiences were key to his education and sports career.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 26, 1957 |
| Harrow Record | 161 not out in Eton v Harrow |
| Cambridge Achievements | Double blue for cricket and rugby |
| Varsity Matches | 1978, 1979 |
Cricket Career Beginnings
Matthew Fosh’s cricket journey shows his skill and hard work. He started at Harrow School, where he scored 161 not out against Eton. This was the highest score since World War I.
At Cambridge University, Fosh excelled in cricket and rugby. He scored 109 against Derbyshire, showing his talent. He also toured the West Indies with England Young Cricketers in 1976, scoring 41 runs in Trinidad.
From 1976 to 1978, Fosh played for Cambridge University, Combined Universities, and Essex. Essex was a big chance for him to show his skills. He played in 30 first-class and 16 List A matches.
In first-class cricket, he scored 1,069 runs with an average of 23.23. He scored one century and six half-centuries, his best being 109.
Fosh’s early career, schooling, and matches against top teams made him a notable player. For more on cricket legends, check out this article on Jimmy Cook.
| Achievement | Statistics |
|---|---|
| First-Class Matches Played | 30 |
| List A Matches Played | 16 |
| Total Runs in First-Class Cricket | 1,069 |
| Batting Average in First-Class Cricket | 23.23 |
| Highest Score in First-Class Cricket | 109 |
| Centuries (100s) | 1 |
| Half-Centuries (50s) | 6 |
First-Class and List A Career
Matthew Fosh had a great career in First-Class cricket and List A matches. He played from 1976 to 1978. He was part of Essex County Cricket Club and Cambridge University.
Statistics and Achievements
Matthew Fosh scored over 1000 runs in First-Class cricket. His best score was 109. He also had six half-centuries.
Here are his cricket stats:
| Statistic | First-Class | List A |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 30 | 16 |
| Total Runs | 1000+ | Not Available |
| Top Score | 109 | Not Available |
| Half-Centuries | 6 | Not Available |
Notable Matches
One of Fosh’s best games was for Cambridge University against Derbyshire. He scored a century. This game showed his skill in First-Class cricket.
He also played in the England Young Cricketers’ tour of the West Indies in 1976. This added to his List A career.
Fosh’s career in First-Class cricket and List A was impressive. His stats show his big impact on the sport.
Matthew Fosh English Cricketer: Playing Style and Techniques
Matthew Fosh’s cricket style is all about being flexible and skilled. He bats left-handed and bowls right-arm medium. He uses smart batting and strategy to tackle different pitches and tough bowlers.
In first-class cricket, Fosh played 30 games and scored 1,069 runs. His average was 23.23. His best score was 109, showing he can play big innings.
In List A matches, he played 16 games and scored 307 runs. His highest score was 45, but he was key in many games. He was also good in the field, catching 9 times in first-class and 2 in List A.
As a bowler, Fosh didn’t get any wickets. But his right-arm medium bowling helped his team. His career shows the value of being versatile and tough in cricket.
| Statistic | First-Class | List A |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 30 | 16 |
| Innings | 48 | 14 |
| Not Out | 2 | 0 |
| Runs | 1,069 | 307 |
| Highest Score | 109 | 45 |
| Batting Average | 23.23 | 21.92 |
| Centuries | 1 | 0 |
| Half-Centuries | 6 | 0 |
| Catches | 9 | 2 |
| Stumpings | 0 | 0 |
Players like Fosh show great mental strength and resilience. They leave a lasting impact on the game. His ability to handle pressure and adapt his style, like Steve Smith, is a lesson for today’s cricketers.
Transition to Rugby
Matthew Fosh moved from cricket to rugby with great success. He was known for cricket but did well in rugby too. He played for Cambridge University rugby in 1978 and 1979.
Achievements in Rugby
Matthew Fosh did well in rugby, playing key roles in matches. His time with Cambridge University rugby was notable. He played against Oxford, showing his skill and dedication.
Moving to rugby was a big win for Fosh. It showed how sports transition can benefit athletes. His skills made him a valuable player for Cambridge University rugby.
| Player | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Highest Score | Other Sports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Abell | 33 | 1,204 | 23.60 | 131 | Rugby |
| Cecil Abercrombie | 12 | 755 | 34.31 | 165 | Rugby |
| Geoffrey Adams | 18 | 421 | 13.58 | — | Rugby |
Business Career After Cricket
Matthew Fosh didn’t stop after cricket. He moved into finance and business. He started with public relations and then private client fund management. His journey showed his skills and leadership.
Initial Ventures
Fosh started with public relations and private client fund management. He founded SGF, showing he was a good entrepreneur. This was the start of his success in business.
Role at Novae Group
Matthew Fosh became CEO at Novae Group, a big insurance company. He made Novae Group grow and expand. His leadership was praised by many.
Current Position at Optio Group
In 2020, Fosh became executive chairman at Optio Group. This was another big step in his career. He uses his experience to help Optio Group grow.
| Company | Position | Years |
|---|---|---|
| SGF | Founder | – |
| Novae Group | CEO | 2002-2020 |
| Optio Group | Executive Chairman | 2020-Present |
Personal Life and Family
Matthew Fosh’s life is always in the spotlight. It’s not just his sports career but also his family. He is married to Helena Wilhelmina van der Kun. They have two kids, including YouTube star Max Fosh.
Max was born on April 3, 1995. He has a YouTube channel with over 4.36 million subscribers. His sister, Talitha “Tally” Fosh, was born on August 22, 1992. Their family is close and supports each other in their careers.
Marriage and Children
Matthew and Helena’s marriage is filled with support and shared dreams. Their son, Max, is a YouTube star and ran in the London Mayoral Election. He got 6,309 votes.
Max started his YouTube in 2017. He won the ‘Best Newcomer Award’ in 2017 and was nominated for ‘Best Male Presenter’ in 2018. His comedy tour shows his family’s spirit.
Involvement in Charity
Matthew Fosh and his family give back to the community. They support schools like Harrow School. Max played in a charity football match on September 9, 2023.
Their focus on charity shows their lasting impact. It’s a testament to their legacy and positive influence.
| Family Member | Date of Birth | Age (as of 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Fosh | September 26, 1957 | 67 years |
| Helena Wilhelmina van der Kun | December 14, 1955 | 69 years |
| Max Fosh | April 3, 1995 | 29 years |
| Talitha “Tally” Fosh | August 22, 1992 | 32 years |
Matthew Fosh and his family show the value of charity and family support. They balance their personal and public lives well. Their compassion and focus on the community make them stand out.
Legacy and Impact
Matthew Fosh’s journey is a shining example of his lasting cricket legacy and big influence in sports. His work in cricket has inspired many athletes to aim high. His move to rugby shows his athletic flexibility, adding to his influence in sports.
Fosh’s success in business is just as impressive. He has worked at Novae Group and Optio Group, showing his leadership skills. His business achievements show how sports skills can help in the business world.
Matthew Fosh’s cricket legacy and business wins are matched by his charity work. He supports John Lyon’s Charity, helping many causes. The charity has given over £60 million, helping many grants.
| Grant Category | Number of Grants (2011/12) | Total Amount (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Grants | 85 | 4,845,650 |
| Small Grants | 39 | 143,945 |
| Access to Opportunity Grants | 5 | 370,500 |
| Bursaries | 7 | 643,560 |
| Arts Fund | 8 | 3,450 |
His work in the community has grown, with a 20% increase in support in 2011/12. His impact on lives through sports and charity shows his wide reach. His career and personal efforts have made a big difference.
Conclusion
Matthew Fosh has had a life full of variety and impact. He started at Harrow and then went to Cambridge University. This set the stage for his cricket career.
He made a name for himself in cricket with his skills and achievements. His career summary shows he was always up to the task in big games.
Then, he moved to rugby, showing his athletic range. His success in rugby added to his sports legacy. He also made a mark in the business world, working at Novae Group and Optio Group.
Matthew Fosh is also known for his kindness and family values. His career and personal life show a path of excellence and giving back. He has made a lasting impact in cricket, rugby, and business.
