Lives in Cricket No 22 - Jack Mercer

75 After the close of play, Jack received many congratulations from his colleagues – both old and new – in the Swansea pavilion, and the following day, the journalists paid their own fulsome tribute to his outstanding efforts. ‘Nomad’ summed up supporters’ feelings by writing ‘almost everything depends on Mercer’s success with the ball for getting sides out. What he has achieved this season is little short of marvellous.’ 78 The series of heavy losses was high on the agenda when Glamorgan’s committee met in early August. There was, though, an even larger problem looming on the horizon: Maurice Turnbull, having completed his studies at Cambridge, was considering a move from South Wales to work in the City of London. With Cyril Walters having moved to Worcestershire, Glamorgan could ill afford to lose the services of another outstanding talent and a man who could fill the captaincy void. Turnbull had proved himself to be a highly capable leader of the Light Blues. Leading a county side, with its diverse collection of professionals, some of truculent disposition and all anxious about their pay and conditions, was a completely different matter. Some committee members believed the task of leading the Glamorgan side might be too great for the 23-year-old. Turnbull was therefore given a trial as captain during the last four matches of 1929, with the proviso that if the outcome was favourable, he would be offered the captaincy for 1930. It was the second piece of good news for the Cardiff-born amateur as, a week or so before, he had accepted an invitation to tour Australia and New Zealand with MCC over the winter months. But he swiftly had to put to one side any thoughts of making his England debut, as his first task was to lead Glamorgan successfully, starting with the match at the Arms Park against Surrey on 21 August. It proved to be a steep learning curve as Glamorgan subsided to yet another innings defeat with Jack Hobbs posting a fine hundred on the opening day. The following week, the Lancashire batsmen put the Glamorgan attack to the sword at Old Trafford as they registered a nine-wicket victory. By the time the Glamorgan side re-assembled the following day at Swansea for the last match of the season, there were more than a few people who were starting to wonder whether the committee had made the right decision to offer the captaincy to Turnbull. The tongues started to wag as rain interrupted proceedings with Glamorgan slipping to 62 for five, but on the second morning, Turnbull showed his true colours as he led from the front in compiling a fine 75, largely with the support of the lower order as his side recovered to reach 234. Then in the afternoon session, he shrewdly manoeuvred his attack as Northamptonshire stuttered to 197 with Frank Ryan taking seven for 82. Whereas the day before the topic of the bar-room conversations had been Glamorgan’s plight, there was now enthusiastic chatter in the St Helen’s pavilion about Turnbull’s leadership credentials plus warm praise for his A change of captain 78 Western Mail , 26 August 1929.