FINGLETON’S METHODS

Evening Star, Issue 21308, 12 January 1933, Page 4

FINGLETON’S METHODS

PAINSTAKING AND DETERMINED RAPID RISE TO FAME Determination and purpose, the main features of the batting of Jack Fingleton in the second test, have been the characteristics which have caused his rise in two seasons from occasional appearances for New South Wales to a place in Australia’s eleven against England (says the Melbourne ‘ Herald ’). Fingleton is not one of the colourful personalities of the game. His batting includes nothing sparkling or daring. His success lies in painstaking persistence and the blend of courage and coolness required to take the knocks without becoming ruffled. This was shown in the second test for the second time against English bowling this season. In his century for Now South Wales last month Fingleton was bruised by eight blows from the ball. Yesterday be stood up to the fast attack, including leg-side tactics, with similar determination. Opening the Australian innings, he saw four wickets go before he was dismissed for 83. NOT A STYLIST. Fingleton’s methods have enabled him to keep his wicket up while exponents of more attractive stroke play have fallen to the leg-side bowling. Even his stance to await the ball suggests grim defence. Instead of a high grip on the bat handle to gain the maximum leverage in strokes, Fingleton holds it low and has a slight tendency to crouch. The result is reduced power and reach in driving. Ho does most of his scoring by pushing the ball through the covers, neat leg glancing, and cutting behind point. The only lack of caution in his play is seen occasionally in his cutting. Contrasting with his batting methods, Fingleton’s fielding is full of dash and brilliance. Fingleton will be 25 next April. He is a Sydney journalist, attached to a daily newspaper. Unassuming, he is popular .with his work-mates and fel-low-cricketers. He was educated at Christian Brothers’ College, Waverley, and has played for Waverley Cricket Club for some seasons. Before last season Fingleton had made only a few appearances for New South Wales, without much success. He would probably have begun last season as twelfth man for his State, but the illness of A. Jackson gave him an opportunity as opening batsman, and he led off with 93 against Queensland. _ • Before last season ended ho made his first appearance for Australia, scoring 40 as an opening batsman in the absence of W. H. Ponsford (ill)_ from the fifth test against South Africa.