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EspañolAUSTRALIAN CRICKET TEAM IN ENGLAND IN 1948
(Redirected from The Invincibles (cricket))
The 'Australian cricket team in England in 1948' was captained by Don Bradman, who was making his fourth and final tour of England. The team is famous for being the first Test match side to play an entire tour without losing a match. This feat earned them the nickname of 'The Invincibles'.
Including five Test matches, Australia played a total of 31 first-class fixtures, plus three other games. Their record in the first-class games was 23 won and 8 drawn; in all matches, they won 25 and drew 9. They won the Test series 4-0 with one match drawn.
★ Keith Johnson (manager)
★ Don Bradman (captain)
★ Lindsay Hassett (vice-captain)
★ Ray Lindwall
★ Keith Miller
★ Sam Loxton
★ Neil Harvey
★ Bill Brown
★ Arthur Morris
★ Don Tallon (wicket-keeper)
★ Sid Barnes
★ Ian Johnson
★ Bill Johnston
★ Ernie Toshack
★ Doug Ring
★ Ron Hamence
★ Colin McCool
★ Ron Saggers (wicket-keeper)
The selection committee was Don Bradman, Jack Ryder and Edmund Dwyer. They held their final meeting on Wednesday 11 February and announced the team that day. Bill Jeanes was offered the job of tour manager but turned it down. He was replaced by Keith Johnson, the New South Wales Board delegate to the Australian Board of Control. Johnson had previously managed the Australian Services team (which had included Keith Miller and Lindsay Hassett) in England in 1945.
The team was chosen with a dual emphasis on strong batting and fast bowling.
Before they left Australia, the team played three warm-up matches. Two of these were two-day games against Tasmania in Hobart and Launceston; the third was a three-day match versus Western Australia in Perth. These games showed serious intent on the part of the tourists.
In Hobart, although the match was drawn, they scored 538-5 declared with centuries by Barnes, Hassett and Harvey. Using a mixture of pace and spin, they reduced Tasmania to 122 and 186-7. In Launceston, Australia won by an innings and 49 runs. Toshack, bowling left arm seam, took 5-24 as Tasmania fell for 123. Australia then scored 288 before five bowlers shared the wickets as Tasmania were out again for just 116.
Four days later, on Saturday 13 March, the Australian XI was at the WACA Ground in Perth where they found Western Australia a tougher nut to crack. Western Australia scored 348 with Wally Langdon making 112. Australia replied with 442-7 declared, including 115 apiece by Morris and Bradman. Western Australia had time only to reach 62-3 and the game was drawn. This match attracted total crowds of 30,500 over the three days.
The team set sail on board ''SS Strathaird'' from Fremantle on Friday 19 March.
On their voyage to England, the Australian party berthed in Colombo where they played a one-day single-innings match (not limited overs) versus the Ceylon national team at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground. Colombo newspaper ''The Islander'' had a headline of "Bradman Will Definitely Play" and this guaranteed a crowd of more than 20,000.
The Australian team was Bradman (captain), Barnes, Brown, Harvey, Miller, Hamence, Loxton, Saggers, Johnson, Ring, Toshack. Australia batted first and became suspicious about the pitch as the morning went on. At lunch, Ian Johnson demanded that the pitch be measured and it was found to be only 20 yards long! After that, the bowlers delivered from two yards behind the crease. Australia made 184-8 declared (Barnes 49, Miller 46) but, when Ceylon had reached 46-2 in reply, heavy rain ended the game.
The party docked at Tilbury on Friday 16 April to a resounding welcome. Bradman announced the delivery of 17,000 food parcels as a gift to the British people from the State of Victoria. Great Britain was still in the throes of rationing and post-war austerity.
The tour opened officially at New Road, Worcester on Wednesday, 28 April with the Australians playing Worcestershire in a three-day match which they won by an innings and 17 runs, Bradman making his expected opening match century (107) while Morris scored 138 and the bowlers shared the spoils.
It is generally accepted that English teams were more weakened by the effects of the Second World War than the Australians were. Even so, various commentators have rated the 1948 Australians as one of the best cricket teams ever and have placed it at least on a par with the 1902 Australian touring team, the Australian side of just after World War I, the West Indies team of the 1980s and the Australian team of the 1990s and 2000s.
Certainly, the five Test Ashes series was won convincingly by Australia. England was captained by Norman Yardley and its batting was strong on paper, the first four in the order generally being Len Hutton, Cyril Washbrook, Bill Edrich and Denis Compton. They were supported by the likes of Joe Hardstaff junior, Tom Dollery, Charlie Barnett, Jack Crapp, John Dewes, Allan Watkins, Yardley and wicket-keeper Godfrey Evans. But they found the fast bowling trio of Lindwall, Miller and Johnston a real handful, especially since the playing conditions that summer allowed a new ball to be taken after only 55 overs.
England's bowling was largely reliant on Alec Bedser and against such a strong Australian batting line-up even his average was unimpressive. Alec Coxon, Dick Pollard, Edrich, Barnett and Yardley provided his seam support. Jim Laker, Jack Young, Eric Hollies and Doug Wright were the spinners in action.
The large number of English names indicates how often the home selectors "chopped and changed" in a vain effort to find a combination that might test Australian superiority.
Morris finished the series with 696 runs at 87.00, and Lindwall and Johnston each took 27 wickets. For England, the player emerging with most credit was Compton, with 562 runs at 62.44.
The first innings of the First Test set the pattern, with England only reaching as many as 165 thanks to 63 from Jim Laker at number 9. Johnston finished with 5/36. In reply, Bradman and Hassett both made centuries, and England had a deficit of 344. Assisted by an injury that prevented Lindwall from bowling, England made 441 in their second innings, thanks mainly to 184 by Compton, but Australia still won by 8 wickets.
The Australian lineup was the same as seen at the first Test, the England team had three changes; Dollery, Coxon and Wright replaced Barnett, Hardstaff and Young. For the only time in the series, Bradman won the toss. After a slow start Morris topped Australia's scorecard, making 105 runs from 166 balls, his innings featuring powerful, well-placed cover drives. At the end of the first day Australia were 7/258. Australia's bowling attack consisted of speed from Lindwall, supported by Johntson's medium-fast deliveries and Johnson's off-breaks. At the end of the second day England were 143 behind with one wicket remaining. Australia returned to the crease. Barnes and Morris had a 122 run first wicket stand, then Barnes and Bradman put on a 142 second wicket partnership. For the fifth consecutive Test innings, Bedser got Bradman out. England were faced with the task of making 596 runs for victory. During Australia's bowling attack Lidwall and Toshack both took two wickets within an over, Lindwall's fast ball and bumper troubled the English batsmen. Australia won the match by 409 runs. The gross attendance was 132,000 and receipts were £43,000 - a record for a Test in England.Allen, p106-7. A report by RJ Hayter.
The Third Test was drawn, and England might have won had not the Manchester weather caused much time to be lost. In England's first innings Compton had to retire hurt early on after being hit on the head by Lindwall, and needed two stitches, but he returned to the crease at 119 for 5 and finished with 145 not out out of 363.
At Headingley, one of the most famous of all Tests was played. It was a high-scoring affair, with Washbrook and Edrich making hundreds in England's first innings, and Harvey - on his debut in Anglo-Australian Tests - making one for Australia. Early on the final day, with the pitch by now helping spin, England declared their second innings, setting Australia to make 404 in 344 minutes. Laker, not yet the force that he would be a few years later, bowled poorly, and there were many fielding lapses. Thus, against all expectation, Australia got the runs with 12 minutes and 7 wickets to spare, with Morris making 182 and Bradman 173 not out.
The final Test of the series was the biggest disaster of all for England. They lost by an innings and 149 runs. Batting first, England were shot out for 52, of which Hutton made 30. Lindwall took 6/20. The Australian openers put on 117, and the total eventually reached 389 (Morris 196). In their second effort England managed only 188. (Johnston 4/40).
It was known that this would be Bradman's final Test, and the crowd gave him an ovation when he walked out to bat. He only needed four runs to average 100 in Test cricket, but Eric Hollies bowled him second ball for a duck.
:;At Worcester, April 28, 29, 30. Australia won by an innings and 17 runs.
The pitch was slow, the weather was cold and showery. Worcester attracted a record of attendance of 32,000 with takings of more than ₤4000. Worcestershire opened the batting, scoring 233 runs in their first innings with C.H. Palmer top scoring with 85 runs. Johnson was the best of the Australian bowlers taking 3 for 52. In their sole innings Australia declared at 8 wickets for 462 runs, with Morris scoring 138 and Bradman 107. P.F. Jackson look 6/135. In their second innings Worcestershire were bowled out by Australia for 212 runs, with 70 minutes to spare. McCool took 4/29.Allen, p104-5
:;At Leicester, May 1, 3, 4. Australia won by an innings and 171 runs.
Australia opened the batting, Miller scored 202 not out with his team making 448 runs. Slow-pacer V.E. Jackson was the best performing Leicestershire bowler, taking 5/91. Leicestershire scored 130 in its first innings. In the follow-on, after a rain delay Australia took the final 5 wickets in an hour to secure victory - leaving Leicestershire on 147. Ring took 5/45 in the first innings, Johnson took 7/42 in the second.Allen, p106-7
:;At Bradford, May 5, 6. Australia won by four wickets.
The closest Australia came to defeat on the tour. The game was played in wet conditions that suited spin bowlers. Yorkshire opened the batting with 71 runs. Miller's medium-paced off-breaks returned him 6/42. Australia's first innings yielded 101 runs, with Loxton not batting due to injury. T.F. Smailes took the best bowling figures for Yorkshire; 6/51. Yorkshire scored 89 runs in their second innings, Johnson took 6/18. Harvey won the game for Australia with a straight drive over the fence.Allen, p108-9
:;At The Oval, May 8, 10, 11. Australia won by an innings and 296 runs.
Australia won the toss and batted 632 runs. Barnes, Bradman and Hassett scored centuries. Surrey scored 141 runs in their first innings, and Australia enforced the follow-on. Surrey scored 195 in their second innings.Allen, p110-111
:;Fenner's at Cambridge, May 12, 13, 14. Australia won by an innings and 51 runs.
Camridge opened the batting with 167 runs. Australia then batted and declared at 4/414, Brown scored 200. In their second innings Cambridge made 196 runs. McCool had the best bowling figures in the match, 7/78 in Cambridge's second innings. Attendance over the 3 days was nearly 25,000.Allen, p112-113
:;At Southend, May 15, 17. Australia won by an innings and 451 runs.
Australia made history on the first day by breaking the record for the most runs scored in a first-class 6 hour day. With centuries from Brown, Bradman, Loxton and Saggers Australia's first innings total came to 721. Essex made 83 in their first innings and Australia enforced the follow-on. Australia bowled out Essex in their second innings for 187 runs. The ground attendance of 32,000 was a record.Allen, p114-115
:;At Oxford, May 19, 20, 21. Australia won by an innings and 90 runs.
Australia opened the batting, with the opening pair of Bill Brown and Arthur Morris making an a stand of 139. Brown scored his third century in succession in the series - he was out lbw by Kardar for 108. Oxford's best batting performance came in the form of a 75 run partnership between Keightley and Kardar in their first innings, resisting spin on the dry wicket. Despite Kardar's 54 and 29 run innings, Australia were only required to bat once - and one by an innings and 90 runs.Allen, p116-117
:;At Lord's, May 22, 24, 25. Australia won by an innings and 158 runs.
Australia opened the batting. Bradman scored eleven 4s in two hours before being caught at slip for 98 runs. Keith Miller was Australia's highest scoring batsman with 163. The MCC's first innings achieved 189 runs and they were forced to follow-on. Hutton was their best batsman scoring 52 and 64. The total attendance was 60, 000.Allen, p118-119
:;At Manchester, May 26, 27, 28. Drawn.
The first day was abandoned due to rain, and Lancashire would only bat once. Australia lost the toss and were sent in to bat on a drying pitch. 19-year old Lancashire spin bowler Malcom Hilton took Bradman's wicket twice in the match. Bill Johnston's left-arm slow-mediums balls helped him take 5 of Lancashire's last 7 wickets for 28 runs.Allen, p120-21
:;At Nottingham, May 29, 31, June 1. Drawn.
Simpson and Harstaff were Nottingham's best batsmen. In the first innings Australia's Ray Lindwall took 6 wickets for 14 runs, aided by his accuracy and speed. Australia only batted once, Brown top scored with 122 in a cautious 3h 45 min innings. In Nottingham's second innings Keeton was hit in the chest by one of Lindwall's deliveries and did not return to play. On the final day of play Hardstaff, Simpson and Harvey helped fend off Australia to achieve a draw for Nottingham.Allen, p122-23
:;At Southampton, June 2, 3, 4. Australia won by eight wickets.
The game remained open until the third afternoon. Hampshire were put in to bat on a drying pitch and scored 195 runs. Australia batted and lost their final 8 wickets for 63 runs to get a score of 103. Knott's off-spin was a challenge for the Australians, except for Miller who scored 3 successive 6s from him. In their second innings Hampshire gave 5 wickets each to Miller and Johnston. Australia needed 182 runs in 175 minutes to win the match. Barnes went for a duck and Johnston was sent in 5 minutes before lunch. Johnston held on for 74 from 105, including three 6s and seven 4s. Brown and Hassett stayed together for Australia's victory.Allen, p124-25
:;At Hove, June 5, 7. Australia won by an innings and 325 runs.
Australia's Ray Lindwall won the match with his bowling - taking eleven wickets for 59 runs - the Sussex batters struggled with his length and varied pace. Australia replied to Sussex's opening 86 with 549 runs, led by Arthur Morris' 184. At the start of Sussex's second innings Lindwall took two wickets in the first over, before a run was scored. Sussex made a losing 138 in their second innings.Allen, p126-27
:;At Northhamption, June 16, 17, 18. Australia won by an innings and 64 runs.
The match was interrupted by rain. Northamptonshire opened the batting, making 119 runs, with Australian bowlers Johnston and Johnson taking 3 wickets each. Australia batted, achieving 352 runs. Hassett top scored with 127 runs, including seventeen 4s. Northamptonshire made 169 runs in their second innings, Johnston and Ring took 4 wickets each.Allen, p132-33
:;At Sheffield, June 19, 21, 22. Drawn.
Australia opened the batting, scoring 249 runs. Yorkshire made 206 runs in their first innings, Toshack took 7/81. Bradman declared for Australia with a lead of 328 runs and seventy minutes of play remaining.Allen, p134-35
:;At The Oval, June 30, July 1, 2. Australia won by ten wickets.
Australia won the toss and sent in Surrey to bat. Surrey made 221, with Parker top scoring with 76 runs. Australia's Hammence opened their innings due to Brown having a finger injury from fielding, but he was out for 0. Hassett and Bradman made a partnership of 231, Bradman making his sixth century of the tour. Surrey made 289 in their second innings. Harvey and Loxton opened Australia's second innings and achieved the required 122 runs in fifty-eight minutes.Allen, p140-41
:;At Bristol, July 3, 5, 6. Australia won by an innings and 363 runs.
Australia opened the batting and centuries from Morris and Loxton contributed to the highest score of the tour - 774, the second biggest score by an Australian team in England, and the highest score from an Australian team versus an English county. Morris made 290 runs from 466 balls in five hours. Gloucestershire replied with innings of 279, with J.F. Crapp 100 not out, and 132. Australia's Johnson took eleven wickets in the match.Allen, p142-43
:;At Lord's, July 17, 19, 30. Australia won by ten wickets.
Middlesex opened with 203 runs. At one stage Australia was 3/53, but Morris and Loxton combined for a partnership of 172, both men eventually scoring centuries. Australia was out for 317 in the first innings. Middlesex made 135 in their second innings. Australia's McCool and Ring made the 22 required for victory.Allen, p148-49
:;At Derby, July 28, 29, 30. Australia won by an innings and 34 runs.
Australia opened the batting and scored 456. Brown top scored with 140, his first 50 took three hours. Derbyshire made 240 in their first innings, and followed on at 216 behind. In their second innings Derbyshire made 182 runs, with D. Smith making the highest scores for his county against Australia - 88. A Derbyshire record attendance of 17,000 was seen on the first day.Allen, p154-55
:;At Swansea, July 21, August 2, 3. Drawn.
Rain stopped play at 3pm on the second day. Glamorgan made 197 runs. Australia made 215 before rain interrupted play. Miller made an aggressive 84 runs, with five 6s and seven 4s. Attendance was 50,000.
Allen, p156-57
:;At Birmingham, August 4, 5, 6. Australia won by nine wickets.
Bradman put Warwickshire in to bat on a wet pitch. Warwickshire made 138 runs. Australia batted and made 254 while Warwickshire's leg-break bowler W.E. Hollies took 8 wickets for 107. Hollies would appear in the Fifth Test. In their second innings Warwickshire made 155 runs, bowlers Johnson and McCool took 4 wickets each. Australia made the required 41 by lunch on the third day to secure victory.Allen, p158-59
:;At Old Trafford, Manchester, August 7, 9, 10. Drawn.
Australia opened the batting and scored 321. Lancashire replied with 130, but Australia did not enforce the follow on. Australia made another 265 runs and Bradman declared at lunch on the third day. During the innings Bradman made his highest score at Old Trafford, 133 n.o. Lancashire held on, ending the match on 7/199. England player C. Washbrook injured his right thumb whilst facing Lindwall and withdrew from the England team for the Fifth Test.Allen, p160-61
:;At Sunderland, August 11, 12. Drawn.
Attendance was 17,000 on the first day. Rain prevented play after the first day. After a poor start that saw them at 3/22, McCool and Miller made half-centuries for Australia and the team ended up all out for 282. Durham got to 73 before play was suspended due to rain.Allen, p162-63
:;At Canterbury, August 21, 23. Australia won by an innings ans 186 runs.
Led by Brown's 106, Australia opened the batting and scored 361. Kent replied with the lowest score of the tour - 51. Following on, Kent scored 124.Allen, p168-69
:;At Lord's, August 25, 26, 27. Australia won by an innings and 81 runs.
In his last match at Lord's, Bradman made his ninth century of the tour. Beside Bradman, Brown and Hasset scores centuries (Hassett 200 n.o.) in Australia's sole innings to make a total of 610. Gentlemen of England responded with totals of 242 and 284.Allen, p170-71
:;At Taunton, August 28, 30. Australia won by an innings and 374 runs.
Australia batted and declared at 5/560. Somerset made 115, followed on, and made another 71. Australian bowlers Johnson and McCool dominted, taking 8 wickets each during the match.Allen, p172-73
:;At Hastings, September 1, 2, 3. Drawn.
Australia opened the batting, and Hassett top scored with 151 - his third consecutive century. Australia declared at 7/522. South of England replied with 298. The match was interrupted by rain.Allen, p174-75
:;At Scarborough, September 8, 9, 10. Drawn.
The final match for Bradman in England, the ground was crowded despite rain interruptions. Leveson Gower's XI played on the proviso of not having more than six Test players. Leveson Gower's XI captain R.W.V> Robbins won the toss and decided to bat, the team making 177 runs. Australia then batted and scored 489, Bradman and Barnes making 153 and 151 respectively. Leveson Gower's XI then made 75 not out to draw the match.Allen, p176-77
:;At Edinburgh, September 13, 14. Australia won by an innings and 40 runs.
Australia opened the batting and made 236, Morris top scored with 112. Scotland made 85 in their first innigns, with bowlers Johnston and Johnson taking 6/15 and 3/18 respectively. Scotland followed on and made 111 runs, with Ring and Morris taking 4/20 and 5/10 respectively.Allen, p178-79
:;At Aberdeen, September 17, 18. Australia won by an innings and 87 runs.
Scotland were sent in to bat, they made 178 runs. Australia then made 407, with Bradman top scoring in his last match in Britain - with 123. Scotland then made 142.Allen, p180-81
★ 1948 English cricket season
★ The Invincibles: The Legend of Bradman's 1948 Australians, , Peter, Allen, Allen and Kemsley, 1999, In association with the Bradman Museum, with extracts from Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.
★ ''A History of Australian Cricket'' by 'Chris Harte'
★ ''Hamlyn A-Z of Cricket Records'' by Peter Wynne-Thomas
★ ''Playfair Cricket Annual 1949''
★ ''Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 1949''
★ CricketArchive tour itinerary
★ Cricinfo report on Australians in England, 1948
★ Cricinfo full tour index
The 'Australian cricket team in England in 1948' was captained by Don Bradman, who was making his fourth and final tour of England. The team is famous for being the first Test match side to play an entire tour without losing a match. This feat earned them the nickname of 'The Invincibles'.
Including five Test matches, Australia played a total of 31 first-class fixtures, plus three other games. Their record in the first-class games was 23 won and 8 drawn; in all matches, they won 25 and drew 9. They won the Test series 4-0 with one match drawn.
Touring party
★ Keith Johnson (manager)
★ Don Bradman (captain)
★ Lindsay Hassett (vice-captain)
★ Ray Lindwall
★ Keith Miller
★ Sam Loxton
★ Neil Harvey
★ Bill Brown
★ Arthur Morris
★ Don Tallon (wicket-keeper)
★ Sid Barnes
★ Ian Johnson
★ Bill Johnston
★ Ernie Toshack
★ Doug Ring
★ Ron Hamence
★ Colin McCool
★ Ron Saggers (wicket-keeper)
Preparations
The selection committee was Don Bradman, Jack Ryder and Edmund Dwyer. They held their final meeting on Wednesday 11 February and announced the team that day. Bill Jeanes was offered the job of tour manager but turned it down. He was replaced by Keith Johnson, the New South Wales Board delegate to the Australian Board of Control. Johnson had previously managed the Australian Services team (which had included Keith Miller and Lindsay Hassett) in England in 1945.
The team was chosen with a dual emphasis on strong batting and fast bowling.
Before they left Australia, the team played three warm-up matches. Two of these were two-day games against Tasmania in Hobart and Launceston; the third was a three-day match versus Western Australia in Perth. These games showed serious intent on the part of the tourists.
In Hobart, although the match was drawn, they scored 538-5 declared with centuries by Barnes, Hassett and Harvey. Using a mixture of pace and spin, they reduced Tasmania to 122 and 186-7. In Launceston, Australia won by an innings and 49 runs. Toshack, bowling left arm seam, took 5-24 as Tasmania fell for 123. Australia then scored 288 before five bowlers shared the wickets as Tasmania were out again for just 116.
Four days later, on Saturday 13 March, the Australian XI was at the WACA Ground in Perth where they found Western Australia a tougher nut to crack. Western Australia scored 348 with Wally Langdon making 112. Australia replied with 442-7 declared, including 115 apiece by Morris and Bradman. Western Australia had time only to reach 62-3 and the game was drawn. This match attracted total crowds of 30,500 over the three days.
Pre-tour visit to Ceylon
The team set sail on board ''SS Strathaird'' from Fremantle on Friday 19 March.
On their voyage to England, the Australian party berthed in Colombo where they played a one-day single-innings match (not limited overs) versus the Ceylon national team at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground. Colombo newspaper ''The Islander'' had a headline of "Bradman Will Definitely Play" and this guaranteed a crowd of more than 20,000.
The Australian team was Bradman (captain), Barnes, Brown, Harvey, Miller, Hamence, Loxton, Saggers, Johnson, Ring, Toshack. Australia batted first and became suspicious about the pitch as the morning went on. At lunch, Ian Johnson demanded that the pitch be measured and it was found to be only 20 yards long! After that, the bowlers delivered from two yards behind the crease. Australia made 184-8 declared (Barnes 49, Miller 46) but, when Ceylon had reached 46-2 in reply, heavy rain ended the game.
Arrival in England
The party docked at Tilbury on Friday 16 April to a resounding welcome. Bradman announced the delivery of 17,000 food parcels as a gift to the British people from the State of Victoria. Great Britain was still in the throes of rationing and post-war austerity.
The tour opened officially at New Road, Worcester on Wednesday, 28 April with the Australians playing Worcestershire in a three-day match which they won by an innings and 17 runs, Bradman making his expected opening match century (107) while Morris scored 138 and the bowlers shared the spoils.
Ashes Test matches
It is generally accepted that English teams were more weakened by the effects of the Second World War than the Australians were. Even so, various commentators have rated the 1948 Australians as one of the best cricket teams ever and have placed it at least on a par with the 1902 Australian touring team, the Australian side of just after World War I, the West Indies team of the 1980s and the Australian team of the 1990s and 2000s.
Certainly, the five Test Ashes series was won convincingly by Australia. England was captained by Norman Yardley and its batting was strong on paper, the first four in the order generally being Len Hutton, Cyril Washbrook, Bill Edrich and Denis Compton. They were supported by the likes of Joe Hardstaff junior, Tom Dollery, Charlie Barnett, Jack Crapp, John Dewes, Allan Watkins, Yardley and wicket-keeper Godfrey Evans. But they found the fast bowling trio of Lindwall, Miller and Johnston a real handful, especially since the playing conditions that summer allowed a new ball to be taken after only 55 overs.
England's bowling was largely reliant on Alec Bedser and against such a strong Australian batting line-up even his average was unimpressive. Alec Coxon, Dick Pollard, Edrich, Barnett and Yardley provided his seam support. Jim Laker, Jack Young, Eric Hollies and Doug Wright were the spinners in action.
The large number of English names indicates how often the home selectors "chopped and changed" in a vain effort to find a combination that might test Australian superiority.
Morris finished the series with 696 runs at 87.00, and Lindwall and Johnston each took 27 wickets. For England, the player emerging with most credit was Compton, with 562 runs at 62.44.
1st Test
 | '165' JC Laker 63 WA Johnston 5/36 | & | '441'DCS Compton 184 KR Miller 4/125 | 'Australia won by 8 wickets'[1] Trent Bridge, England Umpires: CN Woolley & D Davies |
 | '509' DG Bradman 138 JC Laker 4/138 | & | '2/98' SG Barnes 64 ★ AV Bedser 2/46 |
The first innings of the First Test set the pattern, with England only reaching as many as 165 thanks to 63 from Jim Laker at number 9. Johnston finished with 5/36. In reply, Bradman and Hassett both made centuries, and England had a deficit of 344. Assisted by an injury that prevented Lindwall from bowling, England made 441 in their second innings, thanks mainly to 184 by Compton, but Australia still won by 8 wickets.
2nd Test
| | '350' AR Morris 105 AV Bedser 4/100 | & | '460'SG Barnes 141 NWD Yardley 2/36 | 'Australia won by 409 runs' [2] Lord's, London Umpires: CN Wooley & D Davies |
| | '215' DCS Compton 53 RR Lindwall 5/70 | & | '186' C. Washbrook & HE Dollery 37 ERH Toshack 5/40 |
The Australian lineup was the same as seen at the first Test, the England team had three changes; Dollery, Coxon and Wright replaced Barnett, Hardstaff and Young. For the only time in the series, Bradman won the toss. After a slow start Morris topped Australia's scorecard, making 105 runs from 166 balls, his innings featuring powerful, well-placed cover drives. At the end of the first day Australia were 7/258. Australia's bowling attack consisted of speed from Lindwall, supported by Johntson's medium-fast deliveries and Johnson's off-breaks. At the end of the second day England were 143 behind with one wicket remaining. Australia returned to the crease. Barnes and Morris had a 122 run first wicket stand, then Barnes and Bradman put on a 142 second wicket partnership. For the fifth consecutive Test innings, Bedser got Bradman out. England were faced with the task of making 596 runs for victory. During Australia's bowling attack Lidwall and Toshack both took two wickets within an over, Lindwall's fast ball and bumper troubled the English batsmen. Australia won the match by 409 runs. The gross attendance was 132,000 and receipts were £43,000 - a record for a Test in England.Allen, p106-7. A report by RJ Hayter.
3rd Test
| | '363' DCS Compton 145 ★ ERH Toshack 1/26 | & | '174'C. Washbrook 85 ★ KR Miller 4/125 | 'Drawn'[3] Old Trafford, England Umpires: D Davies & F Chester |
| | '221' AR Morris 51 AV Bedser 4/81 | & | '1/92 ★ ' AR Morris 54 ★ JA Young 1/31 |
The Third Test was drawn, and England might have won had not the Manchester weather caused much time to be lost. In England's first innings Compton had to retire hurt early on after being hit on the head by Lindwall, and needed two stitches, but he returned to the crease at 119 for 5 and finished with 145 not out out of 363.
4th Test
| | '496' C. Washbrook 143 SJ Loxton 3/55 | & | '365'DCS Compton 66 WA Johnston 4/95 | 'Australia won by 7 wickets'[4] Headingley, England Umpires: F Chester & HG Baldwin |
| | '458' RN Harvey 112 AV Bedser 3/92 | & | '3/404 ★ ' AR Morris 182 K Cranston 1/28 |
At Headingley, one of the most famous of all Tests was played. It was a high-scoring affair, with Washbrook and Edrich making hundreds in England's first innings, and Harvey - on his debut in Anglo-Australian Tests - making one for Australia. Early on the final day, with the pitch by now helping spin, England declared their second innings, setting Australia to make 404 in 344 minutes. Laker, not yet the force that he would be a few years later, bowled poorly, and there were many fielding lapses. Thus, against all expectation, Australia got the runs with 12 minutes and 7 wickets to spare, with Morris making 182 and Bradman 173 not out.
5th Test
| | '52' L Hutton 30 RR Lindwall 6/20 | & | '188'L Hutton 64 WA Johnston 4/40 | 'Australia won by an innings and 149 runs'[5] The Oval, England Umpires: D Davies & HG Baldwin |
| | '389' AR Morris 196 WE Hollies 5/131 | |
The final Test of the series was the biggest disaster of all for England. They lost by an innings and 149 runs. Batting first, England were shot out for 52, of which Hutton made 30. Lindwall took 6/20. The Australian openers put on 117, and the total eventually reached 389 (Morris 196). In their second effort England managed only 188. (Johnston 4/40).
It was known that this would be Bradman's final Test, and the crowd gave him an ovation when he walked out to bat. He only needed four runs to average 100 in Test cricket, but Eric Hollies bowled him second ball for a duck.
Other matches in Great Britain
v Worcestershire
:;At Worcester, April 28, 29, 30. Australia won by an innings and 17 runs.
The pitch was slow, the weather was cold and showery. Worcester attracted a record of attendance of 32,000 with takings of more than ₤4000. Worcestershire opened the batting, scoring 233 runs in their first innings with C.H. Palmer top scoring with 85 runs. Johnson was the best of the Australian bowlers taking 3 for 52. In their sole innings Australia declared at 8 wickets for 462 runs, with Morris scoring 138 and Bradman 107. P.F. Jackson look 6/135. In their second innings Worcestershire were bowled out by Australia for 212 runs, with 70 minutes to spare. McCool took 4/29.Allen, p104-5
v Leicestershire
:;At Leicester, May 1, 3, 4. Australia won by an innings and 171 runs.
Australia opened the batting, Miller scored 202 not out with his team making 448 runs. Slow-pacer V.E. Jackson was the best performing Leicestershire bowler, taking 5/91. Leicestershire scored 130 in its first innings. In the follow-on, after a rain delay Australia took the final 5 wickets in an hour to secure victory - leaving Leicestershire on 147. Ring took 5/45 in the first innings, Johnson took 7/42 in the second.Allen, p106-7
v Yorkshire
:;At Bradford, May 5, 6. Australia won by four wickets.
The closest Australia came to defeat on the tour. The game was played in wet conditions that suited spin bowlers. Yorkshire opened the batting with 71 runs. Miller's medium-paced off-breaks returned him 6/42. Australia's first innings yielded 101 runs, with Loxton not batting due to injury. T.F. Smailes took the best bowling figures for Yorkshire; 6/51. Yorkshire scored 89 runs in their second innings, Johnson took 6/18. Harvey won the game for Australia with a straight drive over the fence.Allen, p108-9
v Surrey
:;At The Oval, May 8, 10, 11. Australia won by an innings and 296 runs.
Australia won the toss and batted 632 runs. Barnes, Bradman and Hassett scored centuries. Surrey scored 141 runs in their first innings, and Australia enforced the follow-on. Surrey scored 195 in their second innings.Allen, p110-111
v Cambridge Uni.
:;Fenner's at Cambridge, May 12, 13, 14. Australia won by an innings and 51 runs.
Camridge opened the batting with 167 runs. Australia then batted and declared at 4/414, Brown scored 200. In their second innings Cambridge made 196 runs. McCool had the best bowling figures in the match, 7/78 in Cambridge's second innings. Attendance over the 3 days was nearly 25,000.Allen, p112-113
v Essex
:;At Southend, May 15, 17. Australia won by an innings and 451 runs.
Australia made history on the first day by breaking the record for the most runs scored in a first-class 6 hour day. With centuries from Brown, Bradman, Loxton and Saggers Australia's first innings total came to 721. Essex made 83 in their first innings and Australia enforced the follow-on. Australia bowled out Essex in their second innings for 187 runs. The ground attendance of 32,000 was a record.Allen, p114-115
v Oxford Uni.
:;At Oxford, May 19, 20, 21. Australia won by an innings and 90 runs.
Australia opened the batting, with the opening pair of Bill Brown and Arthur Morris making an a stand of 139. Brown scored his third century in succession in the series - he was out lbw by Kardar for 108. Oxford's best batting performance came in the form of a 75 run partnership between Keightley and Kardar in their first innings, resisting spin on the dry wicket. Despite Kardar's 54 and 29 run innings, Australia were only required to bat once - and one by an innings and 90 runs.Allen, p116-117
v MCC
:;At Lord's, May 22, 24, 25. Australia won by an innings and 158 runs.
Australia opened the batting. Bradman scored eleven 4s in two hours before being caught at slip for 98 runs. Keith Miller was Australia's highest scoring batsman with 163. The MCC's first innings achieved 189 runs and they were forced to follow-on. Hutton was their best batsman scoring 52 and 64. The total attendance was 60, 000.Allen, p118-119
v Lancashire
:;At Manchester, May 26, 27, 28. Drawn.
The first day was abandoned due to rain, and Lancashire would only bat once. Australia lost the toss and were sent in to bat on a drying pitch. 19-year old Lancashire spin bowler Malcom Hilton took Bradman's wicket twice in the match. Bill Johnston's left-arm slow-mediums balls helped him take 5 of Lancashire's last 7 wickets for 28 runs.Allen, p120-21
v Nottinghamshire
:;At Nottingham, May 29, 31, June 1. Drawn.
Simpson and Harstaff were Nottingham's best batsmen. In the first innings Australia's Ray Lindwall took 6 wickets for 14 runs, aided by his accuracy and speed. Australia only batted once, Brown top scored with 122 in a cautious 3h 45 min innings. In Nottingham's second innings Keeton was hit in the chest by one of Lindwall's deliveries and did not return to play. On the final day of play Hardstaff, Simpson and Harvey helped fend off Australia to achieve a draw for Nottingham.Allen, p122-23
v Hampshire
:;At Southampton, June 2, 3, 4. Australia won by eight wickets.
The game remained open until the third afternoon. Hampshire were put in to bat on a drying pitch and scored 195 runs. Australia batted and lost their final 8 wickets for 63 runs to get a score of 103. Knott's off-spin was a challenge for the Australians, except for Miller who scored 3 successive 6s from him. In their second innings Hampshire gave 5 wickets each to Miller and Johnston. Australia needed 182 runs in 175 minutes to win the match. Barnes went for a duck and Johnston was sent in 5 minutes before lunch. Johnston held on for 74 from 105, including three 6s and seven 4s. Brown and Hassett stayed together for Australia's victory.Allen, p124-25
v Sussex
:;At Hove, June 5, 7. Australia won by an innings and 325 runs.
Australia's Ray Lindwall won the match with his bowling - taking eleven wickets for 59 runs - the Sussex batters struggled with his length and varied pace. Australia replied to Sussex's opening 86 with 549 runs, led by Arthur Morris' 184. At the start of Sussex's second innings Lindwall took two wickets in the first over, before a run was scored. Sussex made a losing 138 in their second innings.Allen, p126-27
v Northamptonshire
:;At Northhamption, June 16, 17, 18. Australia won by an innings and 64 runs.
The match was interrupted by rain. Northamptonshire opened the batting, making 119 runs, with Australian bowlers Johnston and Johnson taking 3 wickets each. Australia batted, achieving 352 runs. Hassett top scored with 127 runs, including seventeen 4s. Northamptonshire made 169 runs in their second innings, Johnston and Ring took 4 wickets each.Allen, p132-33
v Yorkshire
:;At Sheffield, June 19, 21, 22. Drawn.
Australia opened the batting, scoring 249 runs. Yorkshire made 206 runs in their first innings, Toshack took 7/81. Bradman declared for Australia with a lead of 328 runs and seventy minutes of play remaining.Allen, p134-35
v Surrey
:;At The Oval, June 30, July 1, 2. Australia won by ten wickets.
Australia won the toss and sent in Surrey to bat. Surrey made 221, with Parker top scoring with 76 runs. Australia's Hammence opened their innings due to Brown having a finger injury from fielding, but he was out for 0. Hassett and Bradman made a partnership of 231, Bradman making his sixth century of the tour. Surrey made 289 in their second innings. Harvey and Loxton opened Australia's second innings and achieved the required 122 runs in fifty-eight minutes.Allen, p140-41
v Gloucestershire
:;At Bristol, July 3, 5, 6. Australia won by an innings and 363 runs.
Australia opened the batting and centuries from Morris and Loxton contributed to the highest score of the tour - 774, the second biggest score by an Australian team in England, and the highest score from an Australian team versus an English county. Morris made 290 runs from 466 balls in five hours. Gloucestershire replied with innings of 279, with J.F. Crapp 100 not out, and 132. Australia's Johnson took eleven wickets in the match.Allen, p142-43
v Middlesex
:;At Lord's, July 17, 19, 30. Australia won by ten wickets.
Middlesex opened with 203 runs. At one stage Australia was 3/53, but Morris and Loxton combined for a partnership of 172, both men eventually scoring centuries. Australia was out for 317 in the first innings. Middlesex made 135 in their second innings. Australia's McCool and Ring made the 22 required for victory.Allen, p148-49
v Derbyshire
:;At Derby, July 28, 29, 30. Australia won by an innings and 34 runs.
Australia opened the batting and scored 456. Brown top scored with 140, his first 50 took three hours. Derbyshire made 240 in their first innings, and followed on at 216 behind. In their second innings Derbyshire made 182 runs, with D. Smith making the highest scores for his county against Australia - 88. A Derbyshire record attendance of 17,000 was seen on the first day.Allen, p154-55
v Glamorgan
:;At Swansea, July 21, August 2, 3. Drawn.
Rain stopped play at 3pm on the second day. Glamorgan made 197 runs. Australia made 215 before rain interrupted play. Miller made an aggressive 84 runs, with five 6s and seven 4s. Attendance was 50,000.
Allen, p156-57
v Warwickshire
:;At Birmingham, August 4, 5, 6. Australia won by nine wickets.
Bradman put Warwickshire in to bat on a wet pitch. Warwickshire made 138 runs. Australia batted and made 254 while Warwickshire's leg-break bowler W.E. Hollies took 8 wickets for 107. Hollies would appear in the Fifth Test. In their second innings Warwickshire made 155 runs, bowlers Johnson and McCool took 4 wickets each. Australia made the required 41 by lunch on the third day to secure victory.Allen, p158-59
v Lancashire
:;At Old Trafford, Manchester, August 7, 9, 10. Drawn.
Australia opened the batting and scored 321. Lancashire replied with 130, but Australia did not enforce the follow on. Australia made another 265 runs and Bradman declared at lunch on the third day. During the innings Bradman made his highest score at Old Trafford, 133 n.o. Lancashire held on, ending the match on 7/199. England player C. Washbrook injured his right thumb whilst facing Lindwall and withdrew from the England team for the Fifth Test.Allen, p160-61
v Durham
:;At Sunderland, August 11, 12. Drawn.
Attendance was 17,000 on the first day. Rain prevented play after the first day. After a poor start that saw them at 3/22, McCool and Miller made half-centuries for Australia and the team ended up all out for 282. Durham got to 73 before play was suspended due to rain.Allen, p162-63
v Kent
:;At Canterbury, August 21, 23. Australia won by an innings ans 186 runs.
Led by Brown's 106, Australia opened the batting and scored 361. Kent replied with the lowest score of the tour - 51. Following on, Kent scored 124.Allen, p168-69
v Gentlemen of England
:;At Lord's, August 25, 26, 27. Australia won by an innings and 81 runs.
In his last match at Lord's, Bradman made his ninth century of the tour. Beside Bradman, Brown and Hasset scores centuries (Hassett 200 n.o.) in Australia's sole innings to make a total of 610. Gentlemen of England responded with totals of 242 and 284.Allen, p170-71
v Somerset
:;At Taunton, August 28, 30. Australia won by an innings and 374 runs.
Australia batted and declared at 5/560. Somerset made 115, followed on, and made another 71. Australian bowlers Johnson and McCool dominted, taking 8 wickets each during the match.Allen, p172-73
v South of England
:;At Hastings, September 1, 2, 3. Drawn.
Australia opened the batting, and Hassett top scored with 151 - his third consecutive century. Australia declared at 7/522. South of England replied with 298. The match was interrupted by rain.Allen, p174-75
v Leveson Gower's XI
:;At Scarborough, September 8, 9, 10. Drawn.
The final match for Bradman in England, the ground was crowded despite rain interruptions. Leveson Gower's XI played on the proviso of not having more than six Test players. Leveson Gower's XI captain R.W.V> Robbins won the toss and decided to bat, the team making 177 runs. Australia then batted and scored 489, Bradman and Barnes making 153 and 151 respectively. Leveson Gower's XI then made 75 not out to draw the match.Allen, p176-77
v Scotland (at Edinburgh)
:;At Edinburgh, September 13, 14. Australia won by an innings and 40 runs.
Australia opened the batting and made 236, Morris top scored with 112. Scotland made 85 in their first innigns, with bowlers Johnston and Johnson taking 6/15 and 3/18 respectively. Scotland followed on and made 111 runs, with Ring and Morris taking 4/20 and 5/10 respectively.Allen, p178-79
v Scotland (at Aberdeen)
:;At Aberdeen, September 17, 18. Australia won by an innings and 87 runs.
Scotland were sent in to bat, they made 178 runs. Australia then made 407, with Bradman top scoring in his last match in Britain - with 123. Scotland then made 142.Allen, p180-81
See also
★ 1948 English cricket season
Notes
References
★ The Invincibles: The Legend of Bradman's 1948 Australians, , Peter, Allen, Allen and Kemsley, 1999, In association with the Bradman Museum, with extracts from Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.
★ ''A History of Australian Cricket'' by 'Chris Harte'
★ ''Hamlyn A-Z of Cricket Records'' by Peter Wynne-Thomas
★ ''Playfair Cricket Annual 1949''
★ ''Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 1949''
External links
★ CricketArchive tour itinerary
★ Cricinfo report on Australians in England, 1948
★ Cricinfo full tour index
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