Cricket - the Philadelphia story . . . Kent C. C. of 1903

In 1903 Philadelphia had enjoyed their most successful tour of Great Britain, sharing the spoils by winning six and losing six of the 14 first-class matches played on that occasion.

One of those victories came at Beckenham against Kent. At the conclusion of the tour discussions took place between the captain of the Philadelphia team, John A Lester and Kent's captain, Cuthbert Burnup, as to the possibility of the latter leading a team of amateurs on a tour of North America. Burnup, was no stranger to Philadelphia cricket having played against them on their previous tour of the UK in 1897 and as a member of Plum Warner's XI that played in Philadelphia in 1898.

Having been impressed with Philadelphia's form, he would only agree to lead a team if he could include professional bowlers in the party.

As a result a brief two week tour, comprising two minor matches against New York and a Philadelphia Colt XIX and two first-class encounters against the Gentlemen of Philadelphia, was agreed as Kent became the first English county side to tour America.