Ian Craig

Ian Craig was precocious in his every cricket deed, including retirement, which came at the age of 26. By that stage, nonetheless, he had become the youngest Australian to represent his state, to make a first-class double-century, to play for and finally to lead his country. Comparisons with Bradman, following his 213 for New South Wales against South Africa in January 1953, were Craig's greatest burden, and his first tour of England later that year was wretchedly unsuccessful: he made only 429 runs in 27 innings. After university studies and national service, however, he made a better fist of English conditions in 1956, and was promoted to captain when Australia toured South Africa in 1957-58. While runs eluded him there, Craig was an effective and sympathetic leader in a young side restoring Australian credibility after a barren period. But he was kept out of the next home season by an inopportune bout of hepatitis, and found Test ranks closed to him thereafter. Craig left the game for commerce, and joined the Australian subsidiary of the pharmaceutical giant Boots, where he was to retire as managing director.
Gideon Haigh