Wilson was described in a contemporary reference as "a fast right-handed bowler with a low delivery".
[4] That led to his instant selection for the full Middlesex side for a county match against Gloucestershire that started the following Monday, alongside Thornton and Webbe and facing the three Grace brothers.
[5] In what proved to be his sole first-class appearance for the Middlesex side, Wilson's bowling was attacked by E. M. Grace in particular: The Field reported that "amongst his [Grace's] items made off Wilson were two drives, a cut and a leg-hit, for each of which four runs were obtained".
[3] Wilson failed to take a wicket in 20 four-ball overs, at a cost of 31 runs.
[6][1] In 1885, the annual match between Hertfordshire and the Marylebone Cricket Club was played at Hitchin for the benefit of Wilson, who was then described as "one of the county professional bowlers".