John Hales (cricketer)

John Hales (16 September 1833 – 25 January 1915) was an English first-class cricketer and civil servant.

The son of the Reverend John Dixon, Hales was born at Charmouth in September 1833.[1] He attended Rugby School, before progressing to Trinity College, Cambridge.[1] While attending Trinity College, Hales made his debut in first-class cricket for Cambridge University against Cambridge Town Club at Fenner's in 1855.[2] He played first-class cricket for the university from 1855–1859, making eight appearances.[2] Hales had an unspectacular record for the university in first-class matches, scoring 67 run across 14 innings, averaging just 4.78, with a highest score of 19.[3] Despite this, he still gained a cricket blue.[1]

After graduating from the university with a Masters in 1861, Hales entered into employment as a clerk in the Colonial Office.[1] He later made a final appearance in first-class cricket, when he played for the Surrey Club against the Marylebone Cricket Club at The Oval in 1865.[2] He later rose to the position of Chief Clerk within the Colonial Office, a position he held until his retirement in 1893.[1] He spent his final years in Bournemouth, where he died in January 1915.[1]