Clem Hill's Reminiscences

92 NOTES ON PLAYERS AND UMPIRES Australia ARMSTRONG, Warwick Heavyweight Victorian all-rounder, a powerful batsman and leg-spinner whose long career included membership of two of Australia’s greatest touring sides to England in 1902 and 1921. In 50 Tests, between 1901 and 1921, he made 2,863 runs at 38.68 and took 87 wickets at 33.59. BANNERMAN, Alec Stonewalling opening batsman who batted for seven hours during his innings of 91 in the Sydney Test of the 1891-92 series and failed to reach three figures in 28 Test matches. The first batsman to pass the 1,000 run milestone in Tests. BANNERMAN, Charles Australia’s first batting hero, his 165 retired hurt in the first- ever Test match at Melbourne in 1877 was the only one in his 17 year first-class career. Later a leading umpire who officiated in 12 Test matches. BARDSLEY, Warren Elegant left-hand opening batsman who was the first to score centuries in each innings of a Test match, at The Oval in 1909. Reached 2,000 runs on each of his first three tours of England (1909, 1912 and 1921). In 41 Tests, from 1909 to 1926, he scored 2,469 runs at 40.47. BLACKHAM, Jack Australia’s great wicket-keeper of the nineteenth century, skilful in taking fast bowlers standing up to the wicket. Toured England eight times and captained Australia in eight of his 35 Test matches in which he also effected 61 dismissals. BONNOR, George A colonial Hercules whose penchant for power hitting led to inconsistency, although his greatest Test innings of 128 at Sydney in 1885 was scored in less than two hours. In 17 Tests he averaged 17.07. BOYLE, Harry Medium-paced Victorian round-arm bowler who spun the ball each way. Boyle teamed with Spofforth on the 1878, 1880 and 1882 English tours, including the famous Ashes victory match. In 12 Tests he captured 32 wickets at 20.03. BRADMAN, Don Iconic figure in Australian sport, his Test batting average of 99.94 separates him from sensible comparisons with his peers. CARTER, Hanson (‘Sammy’) Yorkshire-born New South Wales wicket-keeper who first toured England in 1902, but did not make his first Test appearance until 1907. In 28 Tests to 1921 he made 65 dismissals. COTTER, Albert (‘Tibby’) Lethal, if wayward fast bowler with a slinging action, perhaps an early and smaller version of Jeff Thomson. Captured 89 wickets in 21 Tests at 28.64. A stretcher bearer for the Light Horse, he was killed in 1917 at Beersheba, Palestine at the age of 32. CROCKETT, Bob Leading Australian Test umpire who stood in 32 matches from 1901 to 1925. Protégé of Jim Phillips who was sometimes involved in controversial throwing calls. DARLING, Joe One of Australia’s greatest left-hand batsmen and captains, he was a member of a major pastoral and political family, and for a time ran a sports goods business in Adelaide. The first batsman to register three centuries in a series in 1897-98, he led three Australian teams to England (1899, 1902, 1905) before returning to farming in 1908 in Tasmania. Darling served in state politics for the last 25 years of his life. DONNAN, Harry New South Wales batsman who made the first century in the Sheffield Shield competition in 1892, but had no success in five Test matches.