 As a batsman, Fennex was reputed to be one of the first to use forward play and was said to be a good driver of the ball.As a bowler, at a time when only underarm bowling was permitted, he was said to have the highest delivery of anybody, "his hand, when propelling the ball, being nearly on a level with his shoulder".He began his working life as a blacksmith, and stood five feet ten inches tall, "muscular and abstemious".