He made his debut in first-class cricket for an England XI against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in 1847.
The following year he made four first-class appearances for Sheffield, playing twice each against Manchester and Nottingham.
He played first-class cricket for sides representing Yorkshire/Sheffield on nineteen occasions until 1855.
He took five wickets in an innings on four occasions, with best figures of 7 for 38 for Sheffield against Manchester in 1852.
[3][4] In addition to playing, Wright also stood as umpire in sixteen first-class matches between 1860–72.