TO DEBATE

JACK COWIE (

1937–49) The medium quick bowler has sensational numbers by any standards, 45 wickets in a war-curtailed career of nine tests, at an average under 22. We’ll rely on a famous quote from a Wisden editor, who said Cowie would have been a “wonder of the age” if he was in the high-profile Australian team. Got ‘The Don’ out cheaply.

There are some excellent photos of the Cowie delivery action.

MARTIN DONNELLY (

1937–49) The batting parallel to Cowie, with a stellar average around 53 from seven tests. His quick-scoring batting style was revered. He spent much of his career overseas, which led to an appearance for the England rugby team at centre. The scorer of four first-class centuries for four different teams at Lord’s – New Zealand, the Players, Oxford and the Dominions. If Cowie gets a statue, then Donnelly gets one, and vice versa.

Anything which gets across the grace of his shots.