Arthur Mailey, Australian cricketer (d. 1967)

Alfred Arthur Mailey (3 January 1886 – 31 December 1967) was a distinguished Australian cricketer, primarily renowned for his innovative leg-break and googly bowling. His career spanned from 1920 to 1926, during which he represented Australia in 21 Test matches, making a significant impact with his unique style and memorable performances.

Arthur Mailey: A Pioneer of Spin Bowling

Arthur Mailey carved out a formidable reputation as a leg-break and googly bowler, a highly complex and deceptive style of spin bowling. Leg-breaks turn away from a right-handed batsman, while googlies, bowled with a seemingly identical action, unexpectedly turn into the batsman, often catching them off guard and leading to dismissals. This mastery of deception allowed Mailey to claim an impressive 99 Test wickets in his relatively short career. His ability to consistently outwit top batsmen made him a prominent figure in Australian cricket history.

Record-Breaking Bowling Performances

Mailey's career was punctuated by several remarkable bowling achievements that underscore his skill and impact on the game. His ability to take wickets, even at the cost of conceding runs, was a hallmark of his aggressive approach.

The Most Expensive Bowling Analysis in First-Class Cricket

While celebrated for his wicket-taking prowess, Mailey also holds a contrasting record: the most expensive bowling analysis in first-class cricket history. In a match for New South Wales against Victoria at Melbourne during the 1926-27 season, Victoria amassed a then-record first-class total of 1107 runs. In this epic innings, Mailey bowled 64 eight-ball overs, remarkably without managing a single maiden over (an over in which no runs are scored), and finished with figures of 4 wickets for a massive 362 runs. True to his character, Mailey famously recounted that his figures would have been "much better" had three easy catches ("sitters") not been dropped off his bowling. He humorously attributed two of these dropped catches to "a man in the pavilion wearing a bowler hat" and consoled an unfortunate teammate who dropped the third with the memorable line, "I'm expecting to take a wicket any day now." This anecdote perfectly encapsulates his self-deprecating humour and philosophical approach to the game.

Life Beyond the Cricket Pitch

Arthur Mailey's life was far richer and more diverse than his cricketing career alone. His journey began with humble origins, highlighting his remarkable trajectory to national prominence.

Legendary cricketer Sir Don Bradman, a contemporary and admirer, famously remarked on Mailey's unique bowling style and character: "Someone dubbed him the man who bowled like a millionaire, and how true it was! Arthur's objective was to take wickets, and the spending of runs in the process bothered him little. For a relatively small man Arthur had abnormally large hands, soft as silk to the touch, and he once told me he didn't know what it was to have tired or sore fingers." This tribute from Bradman succinctly captures Mailey's attacking, risk-taking philosophy as a bowler and hints at the physical attributes that contributed to his exceptional spin.

Arthur Mailey's Personal Life and Enduring Legacy

Arthur Mailey also led a full personal life, establishing a family and contributing to his local community.

Arthur Mailey passed away in Kirrawee, New South Wales, on 31 December 1967, just three days before his 82nd birthday. His legacy endures not only through his exceptional cricketing records but also through his distinctive personality, artistic contributions, and the indelible mark he left on the game and his community.

Frequently Asked Questions about Arthur Mailey

Who was Alfred Arthur Mailey?
Alfred Arthur Mailey was an Australian cricketer (1886-1967) primarily known as a leg-break and googly bowler who played 21 Test matches for Australia between 1920 and 1926.
What was Arthur Mailey's primary bowling style?
Arthur Mailey was a leg-break and googly bowler, mastering both deliveries to deceive batsmen with his spin variations.
What is Arthur Mailey's most significant Test record?
Arthur Mailey holds the Test record for an Australian bowler, having taken nine wickets for 121 runs in an innings against England in the 1920-21 Ashes series at Melbourne.
Did Arthur Mailey achieve a "perfect ten" in first-class cricket?
Yes, in 1921, Arthur Mailey took all ten Gloucestershire wickets for 66 runs in a first-class match during the Australian tour of England, a rare and perfect bowling performance.
What other unique cricket record does Arthur Mailey hold?
Arthur Mailey holds the record for the most expensive bowling analysis in first-class cricket, having conceded 362 runs for 4 wickets in a single innings for New South Wales in 1926-27.
What was Arthur Mailey's life like outside of cricket?
Beyond cricket, Arthur Mailey was a talented writer and artist, known for publishing booklets of cricket cartoons. He also ran a mixed business, including a butcher shop, and was known for his humor and philosophical outlook.