title: Thomas Balston (cricketer)
text: # Thomas Balston (cricketer)
  
  Thomas Balston (30 January 1822 – 23 December 1899) was an English first-class cricketer and barrister.
  
  ## Personal life
  
  The seventh son of William Balston, he was born at Maidstone in January 1822. The Balston family had been paper-makers since the 18th century, entering business with the Whatman paper-making family. Their success in business led to social prominence and the Balstons were regarded as being amongst the gentry of their county. Balston died at his residence at Hollingbourne in December 1899, following a protracted illness.
  
  ## Education
  
  He was educated at Rugby School, before going up to Brasenose College, Oxford. A student of the Inner Temple in April 1845, he was called to the bar to practice as a barrister in June 1848.
  
  ## Cricket career
  
  Balston played first-class cricket for the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), making a single appearance against Cambridge University at Lord's in 1851. Batting twice in the match, he made a duck in the MCC first innings and scored 2 runs in their second innings, being dismissed by David Buchanan and John Weston respectively.
  
  