Brian Booth made the first of his twenty-nine appearances for Australia at Old Trafford, Manchester, in the 4th Test of the 1961 Ashes tour. While that game in itself, particularly the effort of Richie Benaud, is worth reporting, the article below, written by Phil Tresidder, throws new light on the activities of our esteemed former Patron.
Apparently, Brian was not only adept at snaffling catches, he also could turn his hand to bails. These bails are now, appropriately, on display in the Booth Saunders Pavilion, as the attached photo highlights.
The article and the photo, both refer to A L (Les) Blackshaw who was the driving force behind the formation of St George DCC. The new Pavilion at Hurstville Oval will be named in his honour, a fitting tribute to a man who literally built the Oval. No doubt that is why Brian was so keen to ensure this significant memento of his Test debut went not to himself, but rather to Blackshaw. Brian as we know was always thinking of others.
The Tresidder newspaper piece was provided by Ronald Cardwell from his personal collection, the bails are on permanent display at Hurstville Oval.
