His brother was George Hearne Sr and they began a cricketing dynasty, thirteen family members becoming first-class players.

[1] Highly rated as a fielder who was good enough to play as an occasional wicket-keeper, he held 116 career catches and completed seven stumpings.

[7] Eventually, Hearne's prowess as a player was recognised by John Walker of the Southgate Cricket Club and that led to him playing for Middlesex and being engaged on the ground staff at Lord's.

He was invited to join the new Middlesex County Cricket Club when it was founded at the end of 1863 and made his debut for them in the 1864 season.

[8] Hearne and his brother George began a cricketing dynasty – thirteen family members became first-class players.