Sewell was educated at the Rectory in Shropshire and Bedford School in England, returning to India as a civil servant.

He was known as a good rugby footballer, playing for Bedford, Blackheath and Harlequins,[2] but was most notable as a cricket player.

[3] Later he was coach to young players at The Oval for Surrey County Cricket Club, and played for Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

His obituary in The Times newspaper wrote of his achievements as a writer and player, both of cricket and Rugby football.

[5] Contribution – extended reminiscences: 'The Memorial Biography of Dr. W. G. Grace', issued under the Auspices of The Committee of the MCC, Constable & Company Ltd., London 1919