Births on March 21

Alick Bannerman, Australian cricketer and coach (d. 1924)

Alexander Chalmers Bannerman, affectionately known as "Alick" or sometimes "Alec," was a legendary Australian cricketer whose career spanned 28 Test matches from 1879 to 1893. Born on March 21, 1854, and passing away on September 19, 1924, Bannerman left an indelible mark on the sport, primarily remembered for his extraordinarily defensive, "stone-walling" batting style that frustrated opponents and, at times, even his own spectators.

A Unique Batting Style: The "Barn Door"

Alick Bannerman made his grand Test debut in Melbourne in 1879, joining his older brother, Charles, who was already a fixture in the Australian team. While Charles, eight years his senior, was celebrated as an attacking stroke-maker nicknamed the "Pocket Hercules," Alick was a stark contrast. A small man, "Little Alick" was notorious for his ultra-defensive approach, often described as "strokelss" – a style that led to his rather ironic nickname, "Barn Door," contrasting sharply with his brother's heroic moniker. His batting was not about flair, but about sheer, unyielding endurance at the crease, becoming the quintessential stone-walling batsman of his era.

This unwavering patience, while effective, wasn't always a crowd-pleaser. Cricket historian A.G. Moyes, in his book Australian Batsmen, famously quipped that "At times the crowd found him as wearisome to the flesh as fleas in a warm bed." Yet, this very quality earned him legendary status. The esteemed Wisden Cricketers' Almanack recognized him as "the most famous of all stone-walling batsmen; his patience was inexhaustible." In an age when Test cricket was still finding its rhythm, Bannerman's method, though often slow, proved to be a formidable asset for Australia, wearing down opposition bowlers and setting up opportunities for more aggressive partners.

A Career of Resilience and Crucial Contributions

Test Debut and Early Promise

Despite his defensive reputation, Alick showed immediate promise on his debut. He top-scored for Australia with a valiant 73 runs, a performance that echoed his brother Charles's memorable 165 on his own debut a few seasons prior in 1876/77. This early innings highlighted his ability to occupy the crease and contribute vital runs, even if his scoring rate wasn't designed for quick entertainment.

Beyond the Bat: Fielding Prowess

Bannerman's value to the Australian cricket team extended far beyond his idiosyncratic batting. He toured England in both 1878 and 1880, not just for his batting, but crucially for his exceptional fielding. Positioned at mid-off, he was a revelation, described by Sydney Pardon as "fast, sure, and untiring, and a wonderfully safe catch." In the hastily arranged Test Match at the Oval in 1880—which holds the distinction of being the first-ever Test played on British soil—Alick stepped in for his brother Charles as an Australian opener. In a moment of historical symmetry, he scored the very first Test run in England, mirroring his elder brother's feat of scoring the first Test run in Australia almost four years earlier.

The Art of Attrition: Memorable Innings

Across his 28 Test cricket appearances until 1893, Alexander Bannerman accumulated 1,108 runs at an average of 23.03, remarkably without ever scoring a century. His steadfast defence often provided a crucial anchor at the top of the order, allowing aggressive partners like Hugh Massie, George Bonnor, Percy McDonnell, and J.J. Lyons to play with greater freedom. One of his most celebrated, and arguably most exasperating, performances came during the 1891/92 Ashes series in Sydney. Australia was reeling, trailing England by 163 runs on the first innings. Bannerman, partnered with Lyons, embarked on an epic 174-run first-wicket stand that spanned seven and a half hours, with Lyons contributing 134 and Bannerman a monumental 91. Bannerman's individual knock stretched over three days, scored at a glacial rate of just twelve runs an hour. To put this into perspective, bowlers of that era typically bowled almost twice the number of overs per hour compared to modern cricket, making his cumbersome scoring all the more astonishing. The English bowler William Attewell, despite his renowned accuracy, delivered an astonishing 204 balls to Bannerman in that innings, yielding runs from only five of them. The sheer obstinacy of his batting was astonishing, prompting good-natured barracking from the frustrated crowd, who affectionately referred to him as "Good old Alick," and even inspired a poet to verse:

O Bannerman, O Bannerman,
We wish you'd change your manner, man;
We pay our humble tanner, man,
To see a bit of fun.
You're a beggar though to stick it,
But it ain't our sort of cricket;
They haven't hit your wicket,
Yet, you haven't got a run.

Defiance in the Face of Criticism

Remarkably, the subject of this none-too-flattering ditty remained entirely unperturbed. A.G. Moyes again captured his stoic nature, writing, "Like Gallio of old, he cared for none of these things, concentrating entirely on the job in hand [...] He could irritate, but never overawe, and two of him would have riled even a modern Job." This mental fortitude was a cornerstone of his game, allowing him to endure marathon spells at the crease. In the Melbourne Test of that same 1891/92 series, he batted for a combined total of seven and a quarter hours, crafting scores of 45 and 41. Earlier, in an 1890 New South Wales Cricket-versus-Victoria fixture, Bannerman demonstrated his ultimate capacity for stubbornness by scoring 45 not out in an astonishing five and a half hours. Across all matches between these two rival states, he amassed 1,209 runs at a respectable average of 29.29.

Moments of Uncharacteristic Flair

Even the most resolute defenders occasionally break character, and Bannerman was no exception. During Ivo Bligh's 1882/83 tour, with Australia trailing two-one in the series and desperately needing a win in the first Sydney Test, fate intervened. A Bannerman edge was spilled, and seizing on this stroke of luck, he unexpectedly launched into an offensive, cavalier display, hitting out for a delightful, albeit brief, innings of 63. Later in that same series, also in Sydney, he reached his highest Test score of 94. He was 68 not out at the close of the second day, and as R.D. Beeson noted in his book St Ivo and The Ashes, "This performance, on such a sodden wicket, was a truly memorable one; and the plucky little batsman was warmly applauded." These rare bursts of aggression, born out of necessity or opportunity, only underscored the depth of his contribution as an Australian cricketer.

Beyond the Boundary: England Tours and Key Matches

Alick Bannerman made a remarkable six trips to England throughout his career, a testament to his enduring presence in Australian cricket. He genuinely savored the experience of touring the "Mother Country," often enjoying the cultural immersion as much as the cricket itself. Many of his most cherished memories, in fact, stemmed from off-field experiences where his contribution on the pitch might have been minimal.

He participated in three of the most historically pivotal matches of his era, solidifying his place in cricket history. These included the 1878 match against the M.C.C., where the Australians achieved a stunning victory in less than a day; the aforementioned first-ever Test on British soil in 1880; and the legendary "Ashes-igniter" at the Oval in 1882. In that fateful 1882 encounter, which birthed the legend of the Ashes, Bannerman had one of his more significant batting performances, scoring nine runs at a strike-rate of 10.34 in the first innings. In the second innings, he produced a boundary-less thirteen runs over an hour and ten minutes, steadfastly holding one end while Hugh Massie launched his famous, match-defining assault from the other. His presence, though quiet, was often instrumental.

Bannerman's distinctive style also led to memorable fielding moments. In the 1888 Test Match at the Oval, he was on the receiving end of what Sydney Pardon hailed as "the finest of all the catches at cover slip ever brought off by George Lohmann." Bannerman himself, according to accounts, could hardly believe his luck and continued to speak about the astonishing grab for the rest of the afternoon, underscoring his deep appreciation for the game's finer moments.

Alick Bannerman: The Mentor and Traditionalist

Following in the footsteps of his brother Charles, whose playing days ended somewhat prematurely, Alick transitioned into coaching and umpiring. While Charles was known for being more controversial and erratic in these roles, Alick was a staunch traditionalist, particularly when it came to cricket etiquette and the game's spirit. He took his cricket incredibly seriously, demanding a similar level of respect from others.

One humorous anecdote perfectly encapsulates his character: upon enduring a colleague belting out a catchy tune on the field, a fed-up Alick reportedly marched over and delivered a stern rebuke: "If you want to play cricket, play it; if you want to sing, go and sing; but, for Heaven's sake, don't sing comic songs in the slips!" This firm belief in the sanctity of the game guided his later career.

He spent a significant portion of his later years coaching at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the New South Wales Cricket Association. Here, he meticulously monitored the progress of any promising young player he took under his wing, offering not only technical guidance but also instilling a sense of professionalism. He paid close attention to a player's overall dress and appearance, viewing it as an extension of respect for the game. Should a youngster fall short of his exacting standards, Bannerman would not hesitate to offer direct, fatherly advice: "Son," he would tell him, "if you are not a cricketer, you can at least look like one." His dedication ensured that future generations understood the gravity and tradition of the sport he so loved.

Legacy

Alexander "Alick" Bannerman passed away at the age of 70 on September 19, 1924. His funeral procession moved from St Michael's Church in Darlinghurst to the Waverley Cemetery, marking the end of an era for Australian cricket. As his obituary in Wisden Cricketers' Almanack profoundly observed, "Alec Bannerman will be remembered as long as cricket is played." This sentiment, echoed through the annals of cricket history, truly captures the enduring impact of a man who, despite a unique and often challenging style, became one of the most respected and foundational figures in the early days of Australian Test cricket. His legacy is one of unparalleled patience, unwavering commitment, and a deep, traditional love for the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Alexander "Alick" Bannerman?

Alexander "Alick" Bannerman was a prominent Australian cricketer who played 28 Test matches between 1879 and 1893. He was famously known for his extremely defensive, "stone-walling" batting style.

When was Alick Bannerman born and when did he die?

Alick Bannerman was born on March 21, 1854, and passed away on September 19, 1924, at the age of 70.

What was Alick Bannerman's nickname?

He was widely known by the nickname "Barn Door" due to his ultra-defensive and often strokelss batting, contrasting with his brother Charles "The Pocket Hercules" Bannerman.

What was his highest Test score?

Alick Bannerman's highest Test score was 94 runs, achieved during the 1882/83 Ashes series in Sydney.

Was Alick Bannerman good at anything besides batting?

Yes, he was an exceptional fielder, particularly at mid-off, praised for being "fast, sure, untiring, and a wonderfully safe catch." His fielding was often as valued as his batting.

What was Alick Bannerman's contribution to cricket history?

Besides his long career, he played in several historically significant matches, including the first Test on British soil in 1880 where he scored England's first Test run, and the iconic 1882 Ashes-igniter Test at the Oval.

What did Alick Bannerman do after his playing career?

After retiring from playing, he became a respected coach and umpire. He was known for his strong traditionalist views on cricket etiquette and coached extensively for the New South Wales Cricket Association at the SCG.