Lives in Cricet No 33 - Jack Robertson and Syd Brown

77 Corporation’s offer. The interview wasn’t too searching. Like most first- class cricketers he naturally had hopes of playing for his country, but he modestly referred to the prowess of his opening partner Jack Robertson whom he thought had a good chance of playing against Australia in the forthcoming series in England. He had not yet had a chance to look at the Zinc Oval wicket, but had been very taken with the surroundings. However, apart from indoor practice in England he had never played on a hard, presumably non-turf, pitch. Commenting on the weather he said that it reminded him of April in England. He had clearly done some research about the local climate because he added that he ‘had almost hoped to be greeted by a dust storm, and expected at least a heat wave’. After some discussion about his batting, the subject of his bowling was raised. Had he ever bowled for his county? He had not. Then as an afterthought he added, ‘Well, I did on one occasion when the Indians were touring England. I was put on as tenth change without success.’ 106 The Zinc Corporation quickly arranged a meeting to discuss coaching arrangements with Syd, delegates from League clubs and sportsmasters from local schools. Coaching would be limited to those aged at least 14, and the committee agreed to submit names so that Syd could arrange a roster to suit all concerned, in particular to accommodate miners who were working shifts. 106 He had demonstrated perfect recall. The 1946 Indian tourists declared at 469 for five against a weak Middlesex attack for whom Leslie Compton opened and bowled 20 overs. Syd was indeed the tenth bowler tried, his debut first- class over yielding eight runs and no wickets. Syd bowled little in first-class cricket. His 23 overs would yield three wickets, each of which was taken in ‘relaxed circumstances’. Record books say nothing of his method: Rob thinks he probably bowled slow right-arm spin of some sort. Broken Hill A far cry from Lord’s. The Zinc Corporation mine at Broken Hill, where Syd spent two winters as a coach.