Jack Fingleton (1908-1981) was an Australian cricketer and journalist. He played as an opening batsman for the Australian national team during the 1930s and was known for his solid technique and tenacity. Fingleton scored five Test centuries, including four in consecutive matches. After retiring from cricket, he became a respected journalist and author, covering the sport with insightful commentary and analysis. Fingleton’s contributions to cricket extended beyond the field, as his writings provided a rich historical perspective on the game and its players. His legacy endures both as a cricketer and as a chronicler of the sport.
Career Statistics
Batting
| Batting | Test | ODI | T20 | IPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Innings | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Runs | 1189 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Balls | 2177 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Highest | 136 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Average | 42.46 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 |
| SR | 54.62 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Not Out | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fours | 53 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sixes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ducks | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 50s | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 100s | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 200s | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 400s | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Early Life and Cricket Career
John Henry “Jack” Fingleton was born on April 28, 1908, in Waverley, New South Wales, Australia. The son of Irish immigrants, Fingleton grew up in a modest household where the values of hard work and perseverance were deeply ingrained. He attended Waverley College, a prominent Catholic school in Sydney, where he first showcased his cricketing talents.
Fingleton’s prowess with the bat quickly became evident during his school years, and he soon made a name for himself in local cricket circles. His elegant batting style and solid technique earned him a place in the New South Wales state team in 1928. He made his first-class debut against Victoria and quickly proved his worth, scoring runs consistently and establishing himself as a reliable opening batsman.
Test Career
Fingleton’s Test debut came in 1931 against South Africa. While his initial performances were modest, he soon found his stride. Fingleton’s most notable achievement was becoming the first player in history to score centuries in four consecutive Test innings. This feat occurred during the 1936-37 Ashes series against England, a series that would go down in history for Australia’s remarkable comeback from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2.
Fingleton’s Test career spanned from 1931 to 1938, during which he played 18 matches and scored 1189 runs at an average of 42.46. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his stylish stroke play, made him a crowd favorite. However, his international career was often marred by injuries and internal team conflicts, notably with his captain Don Bradman.
Conflict with Bradman
The relationship between Fingleton and Bradman was one of the most discussed aspects of Australian cricket during the 1930s. Their animosity stemmed from several sources, including differences in personality and approach to the game. Fingleton, known for his sharp wit and strong opinions, often clashed with Bradman, whose meticulous and sometimes aloof nature rubbed many the wrong way.
The tension reached its peak during the infamous Bodyline series in 1932-33. Fingleton was one of the players who publicly criticized Bradman’s handling of the situation, which involved England’s aggressive bowling tactics aimed at intimidating Australian batsmen. This criticism, coupled with Fingleton’s candidness off the field, created a rift that never truly healed.
Journalism and Writing Career
Fingleton’s cricket career was only one aspect of his multifaceted life. He was equally renowned for his work as a journalist and author. His transition from player to journalist was seamless, as he possessed a natural flair for writing and an incisive understanding of the game.
After retiring from cricket, Fingleton became a full-time journalist, writing for prominent Australian newspapers such as The Sydney Morning Herald and The Sun. His columns were known for their insightful analysis, wit, and sometimes controversial opinions. Fingleton’s deep knowledge of cricket and his ability to articulate the intricacies of the game endeared him to readers and made him one of the most respected cricket writers of his time.
Fingleton authored several books on cricket, including “Cricket Crisis” (1946), which provided an in-depth look at the Bodyline series, and “Brightly Fades the Don” (1948), a critical examination of Bradman’s career and legacy. His writing was characterized by a keen sense of observation, a rich understanding of cricket history, and an unflinching honesty that often ruffled feathers.
War Correspondent
Fingleton’s talents as a writer extended beyond the cricket field. During World War II, he served as a war correspondent, covering the conflict for Australian and British newspapers. His firsthand accounts from the front lines provided readers with a vivid and often harrowing depiction of the war’s realities.
In 1942, Fingleton was captured by the Japanese and spent several years as a prisoner of war. Despite the harsh conditions and brutal treatment, he continued to write, documenting his experiences and those of his fellow prisoners. His resilience and determination during this period were a testament to his character and strength.
After the war, Fingleton returned to journalism with a renewed vigor, continuing to cover cricket and other sports. His wartime experiences added a depth and perspective to his writing that resonated with readers and further cemented his reputation as a distinguished journalist.
Legacy and Contributions to Cricket
Jack Fingleton’s contributions to cricket extended far beyond his performances on the field. As a player, he was known for his stylish batting and his ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments. His four consecutive Test centuries remain one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of the sport.
As a journalist and author, Fingleton provided a rich and nuanced perspective on the game. His writings captured the essence of cricket, its players, and the cultural significance it held in Australia and beyond. His critiques and analyses were not just about the technical aspects of the game but also delved into the personalities and dynamics that shaped cricket during his era.
Fingleton’s legacy is also marked by his advocacy for players’ rights and his efforts to bring transparency and accountability to cricket administration. He was vocal about the need for better treatment and support for cricketers, a stance that sometimes put him at odds with cricketing authorities but earned him respect from his peers and successors.
Personal Life
Jack Fingleton was a family man, married to Kay Fingleton with whom he had four children. Despite his public persona, he was known to be a private individual, cherishing the time spent with his family away from the limelight.
His experiences as a player, journalist, and war correspondent shaped his worldview and influenced his writings. Fingleton’s life was marked by resilience, integrity, and a passion for truth, qualities that he carried with him until his passing on November 22, 1981.