Bill Brown (cricketer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Bill Brown

Personal information
Full name	William Alfred Brown
Born	(1912-07-31)31 July 1912 Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
Died	16 March 2008(2008-03-16) (aged 95) Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Height	176 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Batting	Right-handed
Bowling	Right-arm off spin
Role	Batsman
International information
National side	Australia
Test debut (cap 150)	8 June 1934 v England
Last Test	24 June 1948 v England
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1932/33–1935/36	New South Wales
1936/37–1949/50	Queensland
Career statistics
Competition Test First-class Matches 22 189 Runs scored 1,592 13,838 Batting average 46.82 51.44 100s/50s 4/9 39/66 Top score 206* 265* Balls bowled – 169 Wickets – 6 Bowling average – 18.33 5 wickets in innings – 0 10 wickets in match – 0 Best bowling – 4/16 Catches/stumpings 14/– 110/1
Source: CricketArchive, 10 December 2007

William Alfred Brown (born July 31, 1912 – died March 16, 2008) was an Australian cricket player. He played in 22 Test matches for Australia between 1934 and 1948. He even led the Australian team as captain in one Test match.

Bill Brown was a right-handed opening batsman. This means he was one of the first two players to bat for his team. His batting partnership with Jack Fingleton in the 1930s was one of the best in Australian Test history. After World War II ended, Brown was part of a famous team called "The Invincibles". This team toured England in 1948 and did not lose a single game, led by the legendary Don Bradman.

In a match in November 1947, Brown was involved in the first ever "Mankading" dismissal. This is when a bowler runs out the non-striker (the batsman at the other end) if they leave their crease too early before the ball is bowled.

Brown grew up in New South Wales. He found it hard to get a steady job and succeed in cricket at first. But he slowly became a better player. He started playing first-class cricket for New South Wales in the 1932–33 season. His good play helped him join the national team for their 1934 tour of England. When famous openers Bill Ponsford and Bill Woodfull retired, Brown and Fingleton took their places.

Brown's selection for the 1938 tour of England was a bit controversial because he hadn't been playing his best. But he proved everyone wrong! He scored 1,854 runs on that tour. This included an amazing 206 runs that saved Australia from losing a Test match. Because of his great performance, he was named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year.

World War II stopped Brown from playing cricket during his best years. He served in the Royal Australian Air Force. When cricket started again in 1945–46, Brown captained an Australian team in a match that later became known as a Test match. He missed the next season because of an injury. When he came back, he couldn't play as well as before. Other players like Arthur Morris and Sid Barnes took his opening spot.

Even so, he was chosen for the Invincibles tour. He played well in the practice matches. But since Morris and Barnes were the main openers, Brown had to bat in the middle order in the first two Tests. He struggled and was dropped from the Test team. He never played Test cricket again. After returning to Australia, Brown kept playing for Queensland until 1949–50.

After he retired, Brown worked as a car salesman and later sold sports goods. He also briefly helped choose players for the Test team. In 2000, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to cricket. When he passed away in 2008, he was the oldest living Australian Test cricketer.

Early Life and Cricket Start

Where Did Bill Brown Grow Up?

Bill Brown was born in Toowoomba, Queensland. His father was a dairy farmer and hotel owner. When Bill was three, his family faced money problems and moved to Marrickville in Sydney. They lived in a small one-bedroom house, with Bill and his brother sharing a bed.

How Did Bill Brown Start Playing Cricket?

Bill went to Dulwich Hill and Petersham High Schools in Sydney. He first started playing cricket as a wicket-keeper. But he soon changed his focus to being an opening batsman. He left high school after two years. However, it was hard for him to find a full-time job during the Great Depression.

In 1929–30, Brown played grade cricket for Marrickville Cricket Club. But he couldn't get a regular spot on the team. He was almost ready to leave Sydney. Then, he scored 172 runs in a game called the Poidevin-Gray Shield. This helped his cricket career get back on track. Brown moved up through the different cricket levels. He reached the club's top team, the First XI. His steady play there helped him get picked for New South Wales in 1932–33.

Bill Brown's Cricket Before the War

Making His First-Class Debut

Brown playing for New South Wales.

Bill Brown played his first first-class cricket match for New South Wales on November 11, 1932. It was a Sheffield Shield game against Queensland. He was run out for a duck (zero runs) without even facing a ball! He was opening the batting with Jack Fingleton. Luckily, his team won the match easily.

In his first season, Brown scored 79 runs against South Australia. He also made 69 runs against Douglas Jardine's England team. However, the famous fast bowlers Harold Larwood and Bill Voce were not playing in that match. During this time, Bill Brown upset Don Bradman. Bradman was unhappy because Brown didn't communicate well with his batting partners when running between the wickets. This could lead to run outs. Brown finished his first season with 269 runs, averaging 29.88.

Becoming a Top Scorer

The next season, in November 1933, Brown scored 154 runs against Queensland. He and Bradman made a huge partnership of 294 runs in just three hours. This helped their team score 494 runs and win by an innings. After this, he scored 205 runs in an opening partnership of 340 against Victoria. Brown scored two more half-centuries that season. He ended up with 878 runs, averaging 67.53. This made him the second-highest run-scorer in first-class cricket, just behind Bradman.

When the selectors chose the team for the 1934 tour of England, Brown and Fingleton had similar scores. But there was only one spot left for a backup opener. The selectors asked Bradman for advice. Bradman chose Brown, believing his batting style would be better for English pitches. Brown showed he deserved his spot by scoring two 90s in matches against Tasmania before the team left.

Playing His First Test Matches

Brown didn't play in the first match of the tour. But he made his debut in the second match against Leicestershire. He scored a century (105 runs) against Cambridge University in his second game. He then scored 119 runs against Lancashire. After scoring 351 runs in these early matches, he was chosen for the Test team.

Brown played in all five Tests. He made his Test debut at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, scoring 22 runs. In the second innings, he scored 73 runs, helping Australia win. He then scored another century (100 not out) against Northamptonshire.

In the Second Test at Lord's, Brown opened the batting with Woodfull. He scored his first Test century, making 105 runs. His innings was calm and unhurried. However, Australia still lost the match. He kept his spot as opener for the Third Test, scoring 72 runs. After this, Brown had a tough month, scoring low runs in several games. He ended this bad run with 100 not out against Nottinghamshire.

He didn't score more than 20 runs in the last two Tests. He finished the series with 300 runs, averaging 33.33. Australia won the Fifth Test and got back the Ashes. Brown continued to play well after the Tests, scoring three half-centuries. He ended the tour with 1,287 first-class runs, averaging 36.77.

Brown's good form continued when he returned to Australia. He scored 683 runs, averaging 45.53, including three centuries. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the 1934–35 season. He started the season with 102 runs in a special match for Woodfull, who had retired.

Opening with Jack Fingleton

Playing in South Africa

Jack Fingleton (left) and Brown walk to the crease to open for Australia during a Test against England in 1936–37.

After Woodfull and Ponsford retired, Bill Brown and his state partner Jack Fingleton became Australia's main opening pair. They toured South Africa in 1935–36. This was a very successful time for both players. Brown started the tour well, scoring 148, 58, 31, and 28 not out in the warm-up matches. In the first match against Natal, both Brown and Fingleton scored centuries.

Brown scored three half-centuries in the first two Tests. In the Third Test, Brown and Fingleton set a new Australian opening record of 233 runs. This helped Australia score a lot of runs and win easily. It was Australia's first ever double-century opening partnership in Test cricket. Brown scored 121 runs, his highest Test score at that time. He scored 34 and 84 in the next two Tests. Australia won the series 4–0. Brown scored 417 runs, averaging 59.57 in the series. He scored four more half-centuries in other matches, ending with 1,065 runs, averaging 62.65.

Moving to Queensland

In 1936, Brown moved back to Queensland. He took a coaching job and worked as a car salesman. He played for Queensland from 1936–37 onwards and became captain the next season. He started the new season strongly, scoring 111 runs in a special match. In November, Brown played against the touring England team, scoring 71 and 74 runs in two drawn matches.

His 1936–37 season was cut short by an injury. He only played in two Tests against England, scoring 95 runs in four innings. However, Australia won both matches. His first season for Queensland was decent, with 557 runs, including one century and four half-centuries. Queensland didn't win any matches that season.

Becoming a Wisden Cricketer of the Year

Struggles and Comeback

Brown's form started to drop in 1937–38. He scored only 400 runs, averaging 36.36. Queensland lost three of their five matches under his captaincy. Even though he scored two centuries, he was only twelfth in runs scored in Australia. Because of this, some people criticized his selection for the 1938 tour to England.

Brown started the tour slowly. But he got back in form with 194 not out against Northamptonshire. He then scored 96 runs against Surrey. By the time the Tests started, Brown had scored 504 runs, averaging 56.00 in the warm-up matches.

In the First Test, Brown scored 48 runs. Then, in the second innings, he scored 133 runs after Australia had to follow-on. This helped Bradman (144 not out) save the Test match, which ended in a draw.

His Best Test Score

Brown's most famous innings happened in the Second Test at Lord's. He scored 206 runs and was the last batsman out, meaning he "carried his bat". This was the first Test match ever shown on television. England batted first and scored 494 runs. Brown then helped Australia avoid having to follow-on. He shared a fast 85-run partnership with Bill O'Reilly. Brown scored his double century and finished with 206 not out from 375 minutes. This was the highest Test score for a batsman carrying his bat at the time.

After his highest Test score, Brown made his highest first-class score of 265 not out against Derbyshire. He then scored 101 against Warwickshire.

The Third Test was rained out. Australia won the Fourth Test to keep the Ashes. Brown scored 22 and 9 runs in that match. He was the top Australian scorer in both innings of the Fifth Test, with 69 and 15 runs. In this match, Len Hutton scored a world record 364 runs, and England scored 903 runs.

Brown scored 512 runs, averaging 73.14 in the Tests. He scored 1,854 runs, averaging 59.57 in all first-class matches on the tour. He was second only to Bradman in runs and average. He was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year for his great performances in 1938. Wisden called him a "cricketer of remarkable powers" who batted with "charming skill, coolness, thoughtfulness and certainty".

Back in Australia

When he returned to Australia, Brown had an amazing season in 1938–39. He scored 1,057 runs, averaging 105.70. This included 990 runs, averaging 110.00, in six Sheffield Shield matches. He started the season well, scoring 84 runs. He scored over 50 runs in each of his first four innings. He was out for 99 runs in one match, just missing a century.

After playing twelve matches for Queensland, Brown finally got his first win with his new team. He scored 95 runs and then 168 runs, helping Queensland beat New South Wales by eight wickets. He then scored 81 runs in a loss to South Australia. He also helped Queensland win against Victoria. Brown finished the season by scoring 215 runs. He was the only player to score over 1,000 runs that season.

Brown had another strong season the next year, scoring 857 runs, averaging 61.21, with three centuries. But Queensland still had a tough season, losing five of their six matches. Brown scored 87 and 137 runs in the first match but couldn't stop New South Wales from winning. He made 156 runs in another match but couldn't prevent a loss. He scored 111 runs to lead Queensland to their only win of the season.

World War II and After

Cricket During the War

Cigarette card of Brown in the Queensland colours.

Cricket in Australia was reduced during World War II. In the 1940–41 season, Brown scored 307 runs, with two half-centuries. In 1941–42, he played his last first-class match during the war. He scored 56 and 69 runs in a close win against New South Wales.

Brown was a flight lieutenant in the Royal Australian Air Force. He served in New Guinea and the Philippines during the war. This meant he missed his best years of cricket, from age 27 to 33. Before the war, he had averaged 49.02 in Test cricket.

Cricket After the War

First-class cricket started again in 1945–46. Brown had a steady season, scoring 604 runs with five half-centuries. He was the second-highest run-scorer. Queensland won two and lost three matches. At the end of the season, Brown captained an Australian team on a tour of New Zealand. They won all five matches easily.

Australia played its first Test match against New Zealand in Wellington. This match was later given Test status. Brown led the team, as regular captain Don Bradman was not there. Brown was the top scorer on the tour, with 443 runs, averaging 73.83. He scored 68 runs against Auckland, 137 against Canterbury, and 106 against Otago.

In the Test match against New Zealand, Brown led a team with seven new Test players. New Zealand batted first on a wet pitch and were bowled out for only 42 runs. Leg spinner Bill O'Reilly took 5 wickets for 14 runs. Australia then scored 199 runs, with Brown scoring 67 runs. New Zealand were bowled out for 54 runs in their second innings, and Australia won by an innings and 54 runs in just two days. Brown was the first and only Queenslander to captain Australia in a Test match.

Brown missed the entire 1946–47 Test series against England because of a thumb injury. This allowed Arthur Morris to make his Test debut. Morris played so well that he took Brown's spot as a first-choice opening batsman.

The "Mankad" Incident

What Happened with Mankad?

Brown returned to first-class cricket in 1947–48. He scored 192 runs in the first three matches. The Indian team toured Australia that season. Brown was chosen to open the batting with Morris.

In the Second Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in December 1947, Brown was involved in a famous and controversial moment. He was run out by Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad. Brown was out of his crease at the non-striker's end, trying to get a head start for a run. Mankad stopped in his bowling action and knocked the bails off, running Brown out for 18 runs.

This was the second time Mankad had dismissed Brown this way that season. The first time, Mankad had warned Brown before running him out. Some people in the news said Mankad's action was unsportsmanlike. But some Australians, including Bradman, defended Mankad. Brown himself took the blame and even joked about it later. Because of this incident, if a batsman is dismissed this way, it's now called being "Mankaded".

Brown was dropped from the team for the next two Tests. Morris was rested for the Fifth Test, and Brown partnered Barnes, scoring 99 runs before being run out. Brown captained Australia during part of this innings because Bradman was injured. Brown's Test average in Australia was lower than his average when playing away from home.

The Invincibles Tour

Playing with the Famous Team

Even with his struggles, Brown was chosen for the 1948 tour of England with the team known as the Invincibles. However, Barnes and Morris were the main opening batsmen. Brown started the tour well in the practice matches. He scored 200 runs against Cambridge University. In the next match, he scored 153 runs as Australia made a world-record 721 runs in one day. He then scored 108 against Oxford University and 122 against Nottinghamshire.

Brown was chosen for the First Test, batting in the middle order. He scored 17 runs as Australia won. He scored 24 and 32 in the Second Test. This was his last Test match. Another player, Sam Loxton, played very well and took Brown's spot in the middle order. Even when Barnes was injured, Brown was not called back to the team. Instead, Lindsay Hassett opened with Morris, and Neil Harvey came into the middle order and scored 112 runs.

Brown continued to score runs in the tour matches. He made 140 against Derbyshire and then centuries against Kent and the Gentlemen of England. He finished the tour with eight centuries and 1,448 runs, averaging 57.92. He also took 4 wickets for 16 runs in one match, his best bowling figures ever. In his three tours to England, Brown scored 18 centuries.

After the Invincibles Tour

When the team returned to Australia, Bradman retired, and Barnes took a break from cricket. This created two open spots in the Test team. Brown had a decent season in 1948–49, scoring 626 runs with a century and three half-centuries. But at 37 years old, Brown was not chosen for the tour of South Africa.

In the 1949–50 season, Brown scored 507 runs, with a top score of 190. He was the third-highest run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield. He scored his only century of the season in the last match against South Australia, helping Queensland win.

Brown retired after captaining the Australian Second XI team to New Zealand. He scored his final first-class century against Otago, making 184 runs. In his later years, his Test average after World War II was 38.29.

Bill Brown's Batting Style

Bill Brown flicks a ball to the leg side.

Bill Brown was known for starting his innings carefully. He didn't rush to play all his shots. He had a straight batting stance. He was famous for his "leg glancing" (gently hitting the ball off his legs) and placing the ball exactly where he wanted it. He sometimes hooked the ball (a powerful shot over the leg side). Most of his runs on the off-side (the side where the batsman's front foot is) came from the cut shot.

Cricket writer Johnny Moyes said that even when Brown batted slowly, he never seemed tired. Moyes felt that Brown played better in England because the crowds there were more patient. In Australia, impatient fans would sometimes make noise, wanting Brown to bat faster so Bradman could come out to bat. Moyes said Brown was a "placid chap" who liked to play in "peaceful surroundings".

Bradman also noted Brown's ability to get into position quickly to play the ball. He said Brown "never seemed to be in a hurry for any stroke." Ray Robinson called Brown "the most serene batsman I ever saw play for Australia." Robinson also said Brown's leg-glancing was as artistic as Archie Jackson's. Brown was a calm person, and he didn't like the emotional displays by modern cricketers.

Brown's partnership with Jack Fingleton is considered one of the best opening pairs in Australian Test cricket. They averaged 63.75 runs for the first wicket in ten Tests. Brown was known for being humble and was well-liked by his teammates and opponents. He once joked, "My wife said you could always tell when I was batting by the number of people leaving the ground."

Besides his batting, Brown was a great fielder. He trained with sprinters to improve his speed and anticipation. He often fielded in the slip position or in the covers. He also often fielded in the "leg trap" position, catching balls hit off the legs, especially when Australia had great spin bowlers like O'Reilly and Clarrie Grimmett.

Life After Cricket

In 1940, Bill Brown married Barbara Hart. They had three sons. Brown joked that his sons were "well spaced... like my centuries." Outside of cricket, Brown had different jobs. When Bradman moved, Brown took his job at a men's clothing store. After moving to Queensland, Brown sold cars and later ran a sports store.

Brown helped choose players for Queensland from 1950 to 1960. He also became an Australian selector in 1952–53. He was the first Queenslander in 23 years to be a national selector. However, his time as a national selector was tough. Some Queenslanders were angry that he didn't pick more players from his state for the Test team. His sports store was damaged, and he resigned within a year.

In 1992, Brown became a life member of the Queensland Cricket Association. In 2000, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contributions to cricket.

When Bradman died in 2001, Brown became the oldest living Australian Test cricketer. He found it amusing how famous this title made him. Modern Australian cricketers respected him greatly. Steve Waugh asked Brown to present Test debutant Adam Gilchrist with his baggy green cap. Brown was surprised, thinking he wasn't worthy. But Waugh said, "Bill is a baggy green icon who represents all that is good about playing for your country. He is humble, self-effacing and respectful, proud to have been afforded the honour of being an Australian Test cricketer, and a man who always looks for the positive in people."

Bill Brown passed away in Brisbane in March 2008, at the age of 95. He was the last surviving member of Bradman's 1948 Invincibles team who had played Test cricket before World War II.

In 2005, Brown was recognized as an outstanding Queenslander in the Queensland Greats Awards. In 2009, he was added to the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame.

Bill Brown's Test Match Performance

		Batting
Against	Matches	Runs	Average	High Score	100s / 50s
England	13	980	42.60	206 not out	3/3
India	3	128	42.66	99	0/1
New Zealand	1	67	67.00	67	0/1
South Africa	5	417	59.57	121	1/4
Overall	22	1,592	46.82	206 not out	4/9

Images for kids

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  Bill Brown's Test career batting performance. The red bars show the runs he scored in an innings. The blue line shows his batting average over his last ten innings. The blue dots mean he was not out.