5 Ashes heroes who became renowned cricket writers

Jack Fingleton

Jack FingletonGreg Growden has written two fine cricket biographies. His subjects were 'A Wayward Genius' named Leslie Fleetwood-Smith and Jack Fingleton, 'The Man Who Stood Up to Bradman'. This is a phrase which has, over the years, described Fingleton. He was a gritty, successful batsman who 'endured' Bodyline bowling with no fear.

He was a fine writer who analyzed the game better than most. Yet, it was always his dislike for Bradman that got highlighted. He himself did the damage, though.

Fingleton once scored four centuries in consecutive innings, the final one being in an Ashes Test against England in Brisbane. Later in that series in 1936-37, he scored another century in Melbourne. But his career was virtually over by the time he entered his 30s and the war that followed ensured he never returned.

Fingleton left the war to come back home to meet his wife. However, he was again sent on duty, this time to Queensland, where he decided to write a book. Its publication coincided with Ray Robinson's 'Between Wickets' but, rather surprisingly, both books did exceedingly well. 'Cricket Crisis' is now regarded by many as one of the finest books in the history of cricket literature.

Fingleton went on to write many more books. His tour books on some of the Ashes series played in the 1950s are highly acclaimed. He wrote an autobiography as well and is often regarded as the finest writer among Test cricketers.