Jack Fingleton, Australian cricketer, journalist, and sportscaster (d. 1981)

A Life of Cricket, Controversy, and Commentary: The Story of Jack Fingleton

John Henry Webb Fingleton, affectionately known to many as Jack Fingleton, was a prominent Australian figure whose life spanned the greater part of the 20th century, from his birth on 28 April 1908 to his passing on 22 November 1981. A man of many talents, he carved out a significant career first as an Australian Test cricketer, renowned for his resilient batting, and later transitioned seamlessly into the worlds of journalism and cricket commentary. Born into a politically active family, as the son of Australian politician James Fingleton, Jack's life was always destined for the public eye, though perhaps not always without its share of spirited debate.

As a batsman, Fingleton was particularly noted for his "dour defensive approach" – a style often essential for opening batsmen navigating the challenging conditions and formidable bowlers of his era. This steadfastness at the crease allowed him to forge a respectable Test career, representing Australia in 18 Test matches between 1932 and 1938, during which he registered an impressive five Test centuries, each a testament to his unwavering concentration and technique.

From Sydney Ovals to the Test Arena: Fingleton's Cricket Journey

Fingleton's cricketing journey began early, making his first-grade debut in the competitive Sydney district cricket scene at the tender age of 16. This early exposure to high-level club cricket honed his skills and prepared him for the next step. By the 1928–29 season, at the age of 20, he earned his first-class debut for his home state, New South Wales, a team steeped in cricketing tradition and home to many Australian legends. It was in the 1931–32 season that Fingleton truly cemented his place, gaining a regular position in the strong New South Wales XI, consistently proving his mettle against the nation's best.

The Bodyline Series and a Baptism of Fire

His consistent performances soon caught the national selectors' eye, leading to his Test debut in the Fifth and final Test of the 1931–32 season against South Africa. While his score of 40 in an innings victory was a solid start, it was the following season that etched his name into Australian cricketing folklore, albeit amidst controversy. The infamous "Bodyline" series of 1932–33, where England employed a controversial tactic of fast, short-pitched bowling aimed at the body, gripped the nation. During a tour match against the English "Bodyline" attack, Fingleton displayed remarkable courage and skill, scoring an unbeaten century despite enduring multiple painful bruises from the barrage. This innings not only won him widespread praise but also symbolized Australian defiance against the aggressive tactics. However, this period also saw him embroiled in controversy, as he was accused of leaking details of the now-infamous verbal exchange between Australian captain Bill Woodfull and English manager Plum Warner, a moment that highlighted the extreme tension and acrimony of the series.

Peak Performance: Opening Partnerships and Record-Breaking Centuries

The 1934–35 domestic season proved to be a career-defining period for Fingleton. He was the leading run-scorer, amassing four centuries, performances that undeniably earned him a recall to the Australian team for the 1935–36 tour of South Africa. From this point until the outbreak of World War II, Fingleton formed a formidable and enduring opening partnership with Bill Brown, providing a stable foundation for the Australian batting lineup. This era marked the zenith of his playing career.

At his height, Fingleton showcased extraordinary consistency and form. He achieved the remarkable feat of scoring centuries in three consecutive Test innings as Australia dominated, winning each of those last three Tests by an innings margin. In the Fourth Test of that series, Fingleton and Brown made history by putting on the first double-century opening partnership for Australia in a Test match, a significant milestone in the nation's cricketing narrative. His incredible run of form continued into the 1936–37 Ashes series, where he made a century in the First Test, thus becoming the first player in Test cricket history to score consecutive centuries across four Test innings – a truly exceptional and pioneering achievement.

From the Cricket Pitch to Wartime Service and Political Journalism

With the advent of World War II, Fingleton's cricket career, like many others, was put on hold. He dutifully enlisted in the military, offering his skills in service to his country. His background in media and his articulate nature saw him eventually seconded to work on media matters for none other than Prime Minister John Curtin, and even one of his predecessors, Billy Hughes. This role showcased his ability to navigate complex public relations and communication landscapes beyond the sporting arena.

After the war, Fingleton transitioned fully into his journalistic and commentating careers. He served as a respected political correspondent in Canberra, the heart of Australian politics, drawing on his experiences and insights from his wartime role. During the summer months, his passion for cricket brought him back to the game he loved, where he worked as a commentator, sharing his expert analysis and distinctive views with audiences in both Australia and England. He was also a prolific author, known for his elegant prose and insightful observations on cricket. Regarded as one of the finest and most stylish cricket writers of his time, he produced many acclaimed books that captured the essence and history of the game. Fingleton was celebrated, or sometimes criticized, for his forthright opinions and his willingness to express them, particularly regarding his contemporary and former captain, Don Bradman. His cricket reports, known for their incisiveness and often controversial nature, were widely published by newspapers in several countries, extending his influence far beyond Australian shores.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jack Fingleton

Q1: What was John Fingleton's primary contribution to Australian cricket?
A1: Jack Fingleton was a resilient opening batsman known for his "dour defensive approach." He played 18 Tests for Australia, scoring five centuries, and notably formed a historic opening partnership with Bill Brown. He also holds the unique record of being the first player to score centuries in four consecutive Test innings.
Q2: How was Fingleton involved in the controversial "Bodyline" series?
A2: Fingleton is remembered for bravely scoring an unbeaten century against England's "Bodyline" attack in a tour match, despite being repeatedly bruised. He was also infamously accused of leaking details of a heated exchange between Australian captain Bill Woodfull and English manager Plum Warner, which added to the series' intense drama.
Q3: What did Jack Fingleton do after his cricket career and during World War II?
A3: During World War II, Fingleton enlisted in the military and used his communication skills to work on media matters for Prime Ministers John Curtin and Billy Hughes. After the war, he became a distinguished political correspondent in Canberra, a prolific cricket author, and a respected cricket commentator in both Australia and England.
Q4: What was Fingleton's reputation as a writer and commentator?
A4: Fingleton was widely regarded as one of the finest and most stylish cricket writers of his era, known for his numerous insightful books on the sport. As a commentator and journalist, he was celebrated for his forthright opinions and willingness to be critical, even of fellow cricketing legends like Don Bradman, making his reports engaging and often controversial.
Q5: What unique batting record did Fingleton achieve in Test cricket?
A5: Jack Fingleton became the first player in Test cricket history to score centuries in four consecutive Test innings, an extraordinary display of consistent batting prowess achieved during his peak performance period from the 1935-36 tour of South Africa into the 1936-37 Ashes series.