Forgotten Pioneers

by Satish Sekar © Satish Sekar (July 15^th 2010)[1]

Editor’s Note

The issue of racism in sport remains pertinent. We have covered this and other issues for several years. The story of Aborginal cricket is important and still relevant especially with the 74^th Ashes series looming.

The Editor

Multi-talented

Jack Marsh could have been the first Aboriginal cricketer to represent Australia. Former Australian captain Warren Bardsley was convinced that racism was the reason Marsh never wore the famous saggy green-cap of his country. Marsh played just six times for New South Wales in the first decade of the twentieth century, but he was not the first Aboriginal cricketer to play state cricket in Australia. That honour belongs to Queensland’s Albert (Alec) Henry.

Details are patchy about Henry’s life, but it is clear that he was a very talented sportsman who excelled at athletics, rugby union and cricket. Five years younger than Marsh, Henry nevertheless became the first Aboriginal cricketer to play for his state. Henry only played for Queensland seven times, but his début in the 1901-02 season marked an important turning point in Australian sport.

Opportunities were limited as Queensland was not part of the Sheffield Shield Competition at that time. Henry lived on the Deebing Creek Reserve near Ipswich – Jagera territory – but disputes with local authorities took a heavy toll.

Controversy and Legacy

Nevertheless, Henry left a legacy. He was the first Aboriginal to represent his state in organised cricket. Henry was a fast bowler and excellent fielder in his prime. He took 21 wickets averaging 32.04 runs per wicket – not a special return, but still an important one. His best figures were 5 for 40, but promised more. In a pre-season match he took 8 for 14 and there was serious talk of a call up for Australia, but that never materialised.

Also making his début that season was another Aboriginal, Jack Marsh. They played against each other and took each other’s wicket. Henry’s seven matches spanned two seasons 1901-02 and 1904-05. However, controversy about his bowling action resulted in allegations of throwing, which he angrily denied. Despite winning the plaudits of some England players, the damage had been done. He never got to play Test Match cricket.

In his prime, Henry was a feared bowler that should have been given serious consideration for international recognition, although the limited opportunities for all cricketers in Queensland at that time didn’t help, but nor did his race. As with Marsh, the accusation of throwing cost him any chance of wearing the green cap. It would soon rear its ugly head again

After conflict with authority, Henry was removed from Brisbane to the Barambah Reserve for ‘anti-social’ behaviour. Heart problems had affected his performance too. He was moved again to the Yarrabah Reserve and died there of tuberculosis in 1909, aged just 29. He probably came from the Jagera people. Sadly, his legacy has not been fully acknowledged. It is long overdue.

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[1] This article was first published in the Magazine in 2009. We publish it again as the issues that it raises remain pertinent.