Ashes Tests: 30
Captain: 2
Record: 2 draws
Off the Mark
For Warren Bardsley, cricket was everything. From 6 AM, when he would train at Jubilee Oval, to 6PM, cricket was all he focused on. In fact, cricket dominated his life for so long that he didn’t get married until he was 62.
Fortunately for Australia, he was a tremendous servant of the game. His record in England was superb (29 first-class centuries) while his overall Ashes record was equally as impressive. Bardsley managed 1,487 runs at 33.04 against England, including 1,300 at 50 away from home.
His Stint
Bardsley led the national side on two occasions while Herbie Collins was out through neuritis. The 1926 tour was a tough one for Australia, who relinquished the Ashes for the first time since 1912.
On a sodden wicket in Leeds, Bardsley seemed affected by the unfamiliar role. After being sent in on a treacherous looking pitch, Bardsley lasted just one ball before edging one off Maurice Tate. Three centuries were scored in a match that never really got going due to the horrible English weather.
The next match at Old Trafford was also ruined by inclement weather. Bill Woodfull and Charles Macartney each made hundreds for Australia, but persistent rain wold ensure the match was once again drawn.
His Legacy
It was hard to get a gauge on whether Bardsley would have made a good captain. With rain washing away any chance of continuous cricket, at least Bardsley can say he ended his career as an undefeated leader. However, judging by his performances with the bat, it is fair to say that captaincy weighed very heavily on his mind.
Interestingly, Bardsley only played one more Test after the match at Old Trafford. In fact, he didn’t play any more first-class cricket after the series defeat. At 43, he felt he had done enough for his country, and to his credit, he was probably right. He finished his first-class career with 53 centuries; a feat only bettered by Sir Donald Bradman and Al Hassett.
Played and Missed
At 43, Bardsley became the oldest player to ever captain Australia. He was also the oldest player to score a century for his country.
Against England in 1909, Bardsley became the first player in Test history to register centuries in each innings. His 136 and 130 at the Oval stunned the English crowds, making him an instant favourite back home.
The left-hander outlasted England for over six hours with an unbeaten 193 at Lord’s (the highest score at the ground at the time).
In an era where players were often reprimanded for disorderly conduct, Bardsley’s only fine was for wanting to play “too many matches.”
A noted fitness freak, Bardsley put his longevity down to only bowling 54 deliveries in a 250 match career.
