Ernie Bromley

Ernie "Slogger" Bromley was a tall and thin left-hand batsman who had a remarkable throwing arm. In 1933 he took part in a throwing contest at the MCG; his first throw clattered into a barrier 130 yards away erected to protect spectators. His returns to the wicket were flat and hard, a rarity at the time.

Bromley made his debut for Western Australia in 1929-30, transferring to Victoria in 1932-33 in a bid to improve his national chances. He scored 84 against New South Wales, an innings which won him a call-up into the squad for the fourth Bodyline Test, but he was found wanting against quick bowling.

He scored heavily in 1933-34, winning selection for the 1934 England tour, but he struggled and scored 312 runs in 20 innings. His second and final Test appearance came at Lord's when he made 1 and 4 in Australia's only defeat there in the 20th century.

He never reckoned in the selectors' minds again, but he continued to play state cricket until 1938-39 and for St Kilda until the late 1940s.
Martin Williamson