Ernie Mayne

Ernie Mayne was one of the best opening batsmen produced by Australian cricket but he had the misfortune to play in an era when the country was blessed with talent. A tall, stylish player, he excelled at the cut and the drive but was let down by being a poor fielder and this contributed to his only winning four caps.

He first appeared for South Australia in 1906, winning a place on the 1912 tour of England where he did well in a side blighted by infighting and poor behaviour, appearing in two Tests. He led a strong side to America in 1914 and by that time was also captaining his state.

He switched to Victoria after the war - going on to skipper them as well - and in 1921 returned to England under Warwick Armstrong, but his opportunities were limited and his enthusiasm in endless minor matches waned. Despite that he toured South Africa in 1921-22, playing his final two Tests but again without any success.

In 1923-24 he (209) and Bill Ponsford (248) set up a first-wicket record for the state by scoring 456 against Queensland at Melbourne, and in 1924-25 he was one of the first radio commentators, broadcasting on the two Ashes Tests at the MCG for a local radio station.
Martin Williamson