2002-03 Annual R eport 2002-03 Annual R eport - Australian Sports ...

OBITUARIES
ERNIE TOSHACK
One of Sir Donald Bradman’s 1948 Invincibles, left-arm medium-pacer Ernie Toshack
died on 11 May 2003, aged 88.
Toshack, who made his Test debut in 1946, played 12 Tests for Australia between 1945-46
and 1948, taking 47 wickets at an average of 21.04.
His style as a bowler was both lively and impeccably controlled. His consistency was a
critical part of Bradman’s plan in 1948 to minimise England’s scoring rate while keeping
the pressure up.
Toshack was the ideal bowler to tighten the screws, delivering 70 maidens from his 173
overs.
Not only consistent, Toshack could take wickets. He claimed 4-9 in his very first Test
innings, and once took 11 wickets in a Test, grabbing 5-2 then 6-29 against India at the
Gabba in 1947-48.
He had a miserly economy rate of 1.88 in Tests, an impressive feat considering the rapid
scoring that often characterised the era.
Toshack also enjoyed a successful career with New South Wales, making 48 first-class
appearances between 1945-46 and 1949-50, before a troublesome knee forced his
premature retirement.
Mr Toshack is survived by wife Cathleen and daughter Maria.
DOUG RING
Another of Bradman’s 1948 Invincibles, all-rounder Doug Ring, passed away on 23 June
2003, aged 84.
Ring made his debut for Australia in the fifth Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket
Ground in 1948 – along with Invincibles team-mate Sam Loxton.
A valuable right-hand batsman and leg-break bowler, Ring played 13 Tests for Australia
scoring 426 runs at an average of 22.42 and took 35 wickets at 37.28 apiece.
He also enjoyed a successful first-class career spanning 14 years (1938-39 to 1952-53),
in which he made 3418 runs and captured 451 wickets.
Mr Ring is survived by his wife Lesley, three children, six grandchildren and six great
grandchildren.
There are now seven surviving members of the undefeated 1948 team that toured
England – Bill Brown, Ron Hamence, Neil Harvey, Bill Johnston, Sam Loxton, Keith
Miller and Arthur Morris.
55
Ernie Toshack was known for his
consistency and ability to restrict
scoring as a left-arm mediumpace
bowler.
Doug Ring made his Test debut
in his home city of Melbourne in
1948.