William Ayling
William Ayling was an English professional cricketer who made 22 known appearances in first-class cricket matches between 1800 and 1810.
Ayling was born at Cocking in Sussex and moved to Bromley in Kent as a young man. He was the son of Robert and Mary Ayling and was a shoemaker by trade. He played cricket for a variety of sides, most frequently in first-class matches playing for England XIs. He played for the Players in the first two Gentlemen v Players matches in 1806 and made one appearance in first-class matches for a Kent XI, although he played more frequently for Kent sides in non-first-class matches. He played in a total of 22 first-class matches.
Ayling's batting technique was unusual. He held the bat in one hand until just prior to hitting the ball and stood square on to the bowler. He died at Bromley in October 1826.
