Ted McDonald, Australian cricketer (d. 1937)

Edgar Arthur "Ted" McDonald: A Unique Australian Sporting Pioneer

Edgar Arthur "Ted" McDonald, born on 6 January 1891 and passing on 22 July 1937, was a truly remarkable figure in Australian sport, achieving national and international acclaim in two distinct and highly demanding disciplines: cricket and Australian rules football. His extraordinary career highlights him as one of the few athletes to excel at the highest levels in both professional cricket and the fiercely competitive Victorian Football League (VFL), the precursor to today's Australian Football League (AFL).

A Dominant Cricketing Career

Primarily known as a formidable right-arm fast bowler, Ted McDonald's cricketing prowess was evident across various esteemed competitions. He first made his mark in Australian domestic cricket, representing:

• Tasmania: Where his early talent was nurtured, laying the groundwork for his future national and international career.
• Victoria: A powerhouse of Australian state cricket, where McDonald refined his skills against the nation's best and established himself as a premier fast bowler.

His exceptional performance in Australia led to an invitation to play for Lancashire County Cricket Club in England. McDonald's impact at Lancashire was profound; he was a pivotal member of the team that dominated English county cricket in the 1920s, contributing significantly to their multiple County Championship victories. His relentless pace, accuracy, and ability to extract bounce made him one of the most feared bowlers in the county game.

Ultimately, McDonald's talent earned him the coveted Baggy Green cap, representing Australia at the international level. He played 20 Test matches for Australia between 1921 and 1926, famously being part of the successful Ashes touring sides. Across his Test career, he claimed 67 wickets, showcasing his ability to perform against the world's best batsmen.

An Accomplished Australian Rules Footballer

Beyond the cricket pitch, Ted McDonald was also a highly capable Australian rules footballer, demonstrating exceptional athleticism and versatility. His football career saw him play for several significant clubs:

• Launceston Football Club: McDonald began his senior football journey in Tasmania, where he honed his skills in the local leagues before moving to the prominent Victorian Football League.
• Essendon Football Club: He transitioned to the VFL, joining the Essendon "Same Olds" (now the Bombers) in 1913, where he quickly established himself as a valuable player.
• Fitzroy Football Club: McDonald later moved to Fitzroy (now the Brisbane Lions) in 1915, further cementing his reputation as a dual-code athlete in Victoria's premier football competition.

While specific VFL premierships are not typically highlighted for individual players from his era, his tenure with these clubs demonstrates his capacity to compete at the elite level of Australian rules football concurrently with, or immediately prior to, his extensive cricketing commitments.

Legacy of a Dual-Sport Icon

Ted McDonald's career is a testament to the remarkable athleticism and dedication required to excel at the pinnacle of two vastly different, yet equally demanding, professional sports. His ability to switch between the precision and endurance of fast bowling and the physical, strategic demands of Australian rules football sets him apart as a truly unique figure in sporting history, particularly within the context of early 20th-century professional sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ted McDonald

When was Ted McDonald born and when did he pass away?

Edgar Arthur "Ted" McDonald was born on 6 January 1891 and passed away on 22 July 1937.

What sports did Ted McDonald play professionally?

Ted McDonald was a professional cricketer and an Australian rules footballer, excelling at the highest levels in both disciplines.

Which cricket teams did Ted McDonald represent?

In cricket, he played for Tasmania, Victoria, Lancashire (in England), and internationally for Australia.

Which Australian rules football clubs did Ted McDonald play for?

In Australian rules football, he played for Launceston Football Club in Tasmania, and for Essendon Football Club and Fitzroy Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

What was Ted McDonald's primary role as a cricketer?

Ted McDonald was primarily known as a right-arm fast bowler.