JackRyder

Ashes Tests: 17

Captain: 5

Record: 1-4

Off the Mark

Jack Ryder deserves to be recognised as the “father” of Australian cricket during the mid-20^th century. After having represented Australia in 17 Ashes matches, Ryder became a national selector for 24 years from 1946-1970.

His record against England at home was exemplary (987 runs at 47.00). However, his away form was somewhat disappointing, with the attacking batsman managing just 73 runs at 24.33 in England. Critics will argue that Ryder was a victim of circumstance, as the Great War robbed him of his glory years.

His Stint

Ryder captained Australia on five occasions, and finished with an unflattering 1-4 record. However, this wasn’t his fault. Ryder took over the team when he was 39. Yet he was nowhere near the oldest player in the side. His two spin bowlers were nearing 50, while his premier quick was 33; the youngest bowler in the squad.

The first Test in Brisbane in 1928 was a massacre. Gregory went down with a knee injury, thus ending his career. Kelleway suffered from poisoning, and Grimmett and Ironmonger combined for 178 overs. England pummelled 521 runs in the first innings. Overnight rain added to the home side’s woes, with Australia managing just 122 in reply. England dug the knife in deep, deciding not to enforce the follow-on. Chasing 741 for victory, Australia limped to 66, with Bill Woodfull the only player able to offer any resistance.

Heading into the next match, Ryder decided to leave out one of his younger players, Donald Bradman. Ryder believed he was young enough to not suffer from being named 12^th man. The decision didn’t make a difference, as England romped to another huge win. Woodfull was once again the star, scoring 68 and 11 in a well beaten side.

Despite four Australians posting centuries, England went on to win the third Test, with Walter Hammond’s 200 guiding the tourists to a record fourth innings chase of 332. 63 and 87 from the captain in Adelaide weren’t enough, as Hammond became the first Englishman to record centuries in each innings of a Test match.

Finally, at the MCG, Ryder led his side to victory. Centuries to Bradman and Woodfull were backed up by eight wickets to Tim Wall. Ryder was carried off the ground as if they had just won the Ashes.

His Legacy

While a 1-4 record might look like a failure, it was anything but. Ryder was in charge of an ageing side that was battling injuries and poor health. Aside from the Dad’s Army of teammates, Ryder was also responsible for mentoring some of Australia’s future stars. Players like Woodfull and Bradman flourished under Ryder, and in the latter’s case, would go on to become the greatest cricketer of all time.

As a player, Ryder was the man they paid money to see. His 203 and 88 at Adelaide in 1924/25 single-handedly won the match for Australia. In his first ever series (against South Africa) Ryder averaged 111.33 in three matches. His big hitting ability was a draw card for fans, and his innings for Victoria against NSW will never be forgotten. Coming in at 2/594, Ryder showed no sympathy for the opposition, blasting 295 in four hours.

Had the War not robbed him of five solid years of cricket, Ryder would have gone down as one of the all-time greats. Instead, he was forced to leave the game he loved in cruel circumstances. Waiting to bat at the SCG, Ryder was handed the Ashes team list. He wasn’t overly surprised to see he wasn’t captain anymore, but would have been shocked to see he had been dropped altogether. Despite averaging over 50 that season, he took the decision with the utmost humility. Ryder didn’t need to say anything; instead, he scored 100 that day and 168 the following week.

Testament to his knowledge of the game, Ryder was named national selector for 24 years of Australian cricket. He looked after some of the greats from 1946-1970, and fittingly, led the parade of former players at the Centenary Test.

Played and Missed

In 1924/25, Ryder became the first player in Test history to score a double-century and a half-century in the same match.

The 1928/29 series saw Ryder become the first Australian captain to lose his first four Tests.

Ryder was a tremendous all-rounder before the War, but decided to forego his bowling in an attempt to prolong his career.

Ryder is the only player to be run out in both innings of their Test debut.

In his final ever Sheffield Shield match, Ryder decided it would be fitting to end the career of someone else; the square leg umpire. Jimmy Orr was no match for the venomous pull shot that left him needing three stitches.