William Yalden (1740[a] – January 1824) was an English cricketer who played towards the end of the 18th century and is considered to be one of the earliest known players who were classed as a wicket-keeper-batsman.
[1] Yalden played mainly for Chertsey and Surrey sides, although he was also a regular, sometimes as captain, in England teams,[b] particularly in matches against Hampshire.
[4] According to Arthur Haygarth, Yalden gave up cricket for one season because he thought his eyesight was failing, but he was persuaded to return to the game by the Earl of Tankerville; he resumed his career with continued success.
[7][9] Described by John Nyren in The Cricketers of My Time as a "a thin, dark-looking man",[e][11] Yalden's reputation has divided opinion.
[citation needed] Yalden was a licensed victualler and the landlord of the Walnut Tree inn at Chertsey,[g] although he also worked as a cobbler and shoemaker at various points.