Lives in Cricket No 4 - Ernie Jones

was bowled out cheaply on the first morning when Hugh Trumble’s first ball to Giffen, on a quagmire, rose about five feet, promising mischief early. As it turned out Giffen was the only survivor with 32 in an hour-and-a-quarter, and Jones’ late hitting for 13 was second-top score in the visitors’ 73. Jones then opened the bowling and he and Giffen shared the wickets. Jones’ fine physique and easy delivery enabled him to maintain his stamina. The Western Australian match, in March 1893, was the westerners first appearance in first-class cricket, with nine of their players making their debuts and most playing their first game on a turf pitch. South Australia, who were without their England tourists – George and Walter Giffen, ‘Affie’ Jarvis and Jack Lyons – fielded practically a second eleven, although one member, Clem Hill (aged 16 years 9 days), would go on to have the longest South Australian career of all. Although the home side was 5 for 20 on the first morning, its eventual recovery to 236 was sufficient to gain a ten-wicket win, as the pace of Jones and Fred Jarvis blew away their opponents in each innings. Star Ascending: 1892-1895 11 Jones’ first first-class match was also the first-ever Sheffield Shield match, between South Australia and New South Wales at Adelaide Oval in December, 1892. This recently re-discovered photograph shows the home, winning side in front of the old pavilion. The players in the back row (l to r) are A.H.Jarvis, W.Delaney, A. (Fred) Jarvis, E.Jones, J.C.Reedman, G.T.Parkin. Front row: A.Wilkinson, A.Hill, G.Giffen (capt), H.Blinman and J.J.Lyons.