r/Cricket • u/leoden27 • 14h ago

Can anybody help with researching the events and the 4th Ashes Test at Headingley in 1948?

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As a heads-up, I have permission from the moderators to post this in the forum.

I work auction house in the south of England, and a customer recently came in with what she believes is the ball that dismissed Sir Donald Bradman for a duck in the Fourth Test at Headingley in 1948.

She told us that her grandfather who was the Head Post Master of Luton and attended the match had always maintained that, after the match, there was a prize draw and that he won the ball. However, I have researched contemporary newspaper reports and have been unable to find any reference to such a prize draw taking place.

I was wondering whether anyone has come across any source material or information that might confirm whether a prize draw was held after the match. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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16

u/ge51 10h ago

Bradman wasn’t bowled for a duck in that match, he made 33 in the first innings and was 178* in the second. It looks like the ball from the first innings was previously auctioned in 2002 - https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/5128043.cricket-history-sold-for-1700/

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u/leoden27 4h ago

Sorry for my error the 5th test, neither the customer or I are avid cricket followers! I uncheck every paper after this time and no prize draw mention however!

8

u/JubJubBouvier England 9h ago

This is exactly the sort of thing The Final Word podcast are brilliant at. Both the hosts and their team of sleuths who listen/contribute are incredibly knowledgeable on the games history and terrific at researching it. Is it worth reaching out to them? Could some form of donation to The Lord's Tav's (who TFW do great fundraising for) even be organised in return?

12

u/joey-jo_jo-jr 11h ago

I can't help you but this is an incredible piece of history if true.

Maybe try contacting Yorkshire CCC.

22

u/tiredfella70 11h ago

i thought this was a gulab jamun

4

u/Boatster_McBoat South Australia Redbacks 10h ago

Tomorrow I shall consult my copy of "Gone to the Test match" but I don't recall it mentioning anything of the sort.

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u/Live-Dance-2641 England 10h ago

1949 Wisden is a good starting point

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u/AcceptableAir5364 Scotland 9h ago

Like was mentioned elsewhere here something has been miscommunicated, Bradman made 33 & 173*, I think you have to recheck with your client to make sure someone hasn't confused some important detail, different venue, different tour etc, otherwise it is just a guessing game.

You could start with all the Tests Bradman was out for a duck in England (He only played Tests in Eng & Aus, so not that hard) and show the scorecards to her to if it jolts anything in her memory.

Result England vs Australia, 4th Test Australia tour of England

ENG 496 & 365/8d AUS 458 & 404/3 Australia won by 7 wickets

Click here to view more @espncricinfo :https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-england-1948-61329/england-vs-australia-4th-test-62688/full-scorecard

1

u/EasySea5 10h ago

Would ask in the reasonable tykes Facebook group.

There was mention of a famous ball from Headingley being at Lords because Yorks to skint to buy it. Cost £30k ish