Lives in Cricket No 48 - Maurice Leyland

selectors, did have any doubts about his credentials for such a trip they were undoubtedly dispelled by a superb double century for NSW against Victoria and, come April 1934, he was on the boat bound for England. Reflecting on that summer over 80 years before, Bill explained: It was a marvellous experience for a 21-year-old, who, like most people of my age, had never been outside Australia, to suddenly find themselves travelling first class on an ocean liner, visiting England, and meeting the King and Queen - it was a wonderful trip! During the Test series he enjoyed some outstanding successes. Although he made only 22 in his first Test innings, in the First Test at Trent Bridge, he played a crucial part in his side’s eventual 238 run victory when he helped steer Australia to an indomitable position with his second knock. After establishing a 106 run lead on the first innings they then lost Bill Woodfull for only two, bringing Bill to the crease, and Bill Ponsford soon after for five. When Bradman was then caught behind by Ames off Farnes, for 25, the score was 69 for three and a glimmer of hope had emerged for England; but, Stan McCabe, having hit 65 in the first innings before being caught by Maurice off Farnes, stuck around again and helped put on 112 for the fourth wicket before he was caught behind of Verity for 73. With a lead of 287 and six wickets still in hand Australia were in control. They eventually declared with their score on 273 for eight and having been asked to score 380 to win England were unceremoniously spun out for 141 as Bill O’Reilly finished with seven for 54 off 41.4 overs and Clarrie Grimmett with three for 39 off 47. Between them they bowled 184.1 overs, 92 maidens, and took 19 wickets for 249 runs. Maurice was a victim of Grimmett’s in the first innings, for six, and O’Reilly’s in the second, for 18, but there were much better things in store for him in this series. At Lord’s, for example, batting at six, he bounced back immediately with 109 and was involved in a 129 run stand for the sixth wicket with Les Ames (120) as England ran up a total of 440. This game also provided Bill with his big breakthrough in Ashes to Ashes 100