Eddie Gilbert: The True Story of an Aboriginal Cricketing Legend

The life story of one of the fastest bowlers there ever was – Eddie Gilbert. In one over he held Bradman scoreless, knocked his bat out of his hands, sent him sprawing on his arse and ultimately bowled him. So why did he never play for Australia? Because he was Aboriginal. pp. 280 illusts. First Edition. #0518

As recalled by Mike Colman and Ken Edwards in their 2002 biography of Gilbert, the fiery right-armer had NSW opener Wendell Bill caught behind with his first ball, which led to wild applause from the crowd as their hero Bradman walked to the crease.

Gilbert’s second ball was confidently defended by The Don but his third, a short lifting delivery, clipped the peak of Bradman’s cap as the great man lost his balance and fell backwards onto the turf.

The fourth ball, another fast short one, flew over Bradman’s head through to the keeper before the fifth ball knocked The Don’s bat out of his hands as he attempted to play a hook shot.

Having barely survived the onslaught, Bradman attempted another hook from Gilbert’s sixth delivery, but only succeeded in edging behind to the wicketkeeper to be dismissed for a duck.

NSW skipper Alan Kippax managed to survive the final two deliveries of Gilbert’s eight-ball over, meaning the Queensland quick had started with a double-wicket maiden to leave NSW 2-0.

At the end of Bradman’s decorated career, which included the infamous Bodyline series, he would say that Gilbert’s deliveries were “faster than anything seen from (England fast bowler) Harold Larwood or anyone else””.

Respected ABC radio broadcaster Alan McGilvray agreed