Happy 94th birthday, Bill Brown
It’s The Invincible Bill Brown’s birthday today and Phil Wilkins pays tribute to the world’s fourth-oldest Test player in the The Sydney Morning Herald
Peter English
25-Feb-2013
It’s The Invincible Bill Brown’s birthday today and Phil Wilkins pays tribute to the world’s fourth-oldest Test player in the The Sydney Morning Herald
He toured with Don Bradman's 1934 and 1938 teams to England and was in his prime upon the declaration of World War II, eventually leading Australia to a two-day victory in the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington before returning to England as a member of Bradman's unbeaten Ashes side in 1948.
Now living in Aspley Gardens in Brisbane's north with Barbara, "the first lady of Australian cricket" and his wife of more than 60 years, he is as charming as ever, white hair brushed back, a gentleman in every way, humor breaking through like sunshine after rain.
The Sunday Mail’s Andrew Dawson begins with a story about how Brown was mocked by the tram conductor on the way to a Test in Sydney.
Not recognising Brown as Australia's Test rookie, the conductor watched him drag his "cricket coffin" on to the tram and ask for a ticket to Moore Park, the stop outside the SCG. “You won't get a game there today son. There is a Test match on," the conductor smirked.
People who heard the quip laughed. Brown sat silently, resisting the urge to deliver a comeback line which would have humiliated the conductor. It would not be the last time Brown was bashful about his achievements.
Peter English is former Australasia editor of ESPNcricinfo