The son of Colonel Frederick Daniel Fryer, he was born at Holbrook House in
Holbrook, Suffolk. He was educated at
Harrow School, before going up to
Caius College, Cambridge in 1869. He later migrated to
Downing College, Cambridge in 1872. The following year he debuted for
Cambridge University at
Fenner's against the
Marylebone Cricket Club. His playing style was described by ''
Wisden Cricketers' Almanack'' as: "Upright, easy and graceful, Fryer was a beautiful bat to watch—as attractive to look at as
Lionel Palairet in our own time." Across 58 first-class appearances, Fryer scored 2,149 runs at an
average of 21.92. A strong
leg side player, Fryer made twelve first-class half centuries, four of which came at Fenner's and three at The Oval. He never managed to make a century, with his highest score being 91. A competent
medium pace bowler, Fryer took 39 wickets at a
bowling average of 29.00, twice taking a
five wicket haul. ==Personal life==