Lives in Cricket No 22 - Jack Mercer

106 realisation that his first-class tally had topped the hundred mark again, Jack was in superb form with his sharp swing accounting for Mushtaq Ali and L.P.Jai in successive deliveries. He added two more victims before returning after a short break to bowl cutters, scything through the tail to claim the last three wickets at a cost of just three runs to end with figures of seven for 48. At the time these were the best figures against a touring side and, in a spontaneous show of appreciation for his efforts, the Maharajkumar of Vizianagram, the tourists’ captain, made a presentation of £5 towards Jack’s benefit fund at the close of play. The delighted beneficiary also spoke to journalists after play, and summed up the situation by saying, ‘I wish I could bowl here every week of the season!’ 98 Ten wickets and a benefit 98 Western Mail , 6 August 1936. Bill Hitch ‘coaching’ Glamorgan players for the photographer in 1937. From left to right: J.W.Hitch, C.C.Smart, D.E.Davies, A.H.Dyson, G.W.Mercer, E.C.Jones, G.Lavis, H.G.Davies, T.L.Brierley, D.A.Davies and R.G.Duckfield. Jack’s younger brother Gordon is fifth from the right.