Sydney Francis Barnes was one of the finest bowlers in cricket history. In 27 test matches he took a phenomenal 189 wickets at an average of 16.43 runs per wicket. He bowled at varying speeds, between Fast and Slow Medium and could impart Leg spin or Off spin on the cricket ball to achieve a prodigious amount of turn off the pitch at any pace. He is also the only cricketer to be selected to play for England while playing league cricket.

Sydney Francis Barnes was born on the 19 April 1873 in Smethwick, Staffordshire. He was the second of five children and worked for the same company in Birmingham for 63 years. He briefly played county cricket for Lancashire but played the majority of his cricket for Staffordshire in the Minor Counties Championship and league cricket. His record for Staffordshire was 1441 wickets at a cost of 8.15 runs per wicket.

He played minor county and league cricket well into his 60's and died aged 94 on Boxing Day, 1967 in Chadsmoor, Staffordshire