Who Was Doug Ring? A Legendary Australian Cricketer
Douglas Thomas Ring (14 October 1918 – 23 June 2003) was an Australian cricketer who played for Victoria and represented Australia in 13 Test matches between 1948 and 1953. His career, marked by both brilliance and challenges, is a testament to the resilience of a true sportsman.
Early Life and Cricket Beginnings
Where did Doug Ring’s journey begin? Born in Hobart, Tasmania, Ring moved to Victoria as a child. He attended Melbourne High School and quickly showed his cricketing prowess by playing schoolboy matches. His talent was so evident that he joined the Prahran first grade side for their final 1935–36 season.
Victoria Cricket
In 1938, Ring’s career took a significant turn when he was selected to play for Victoria. His debut match saw him take four New South Wales wickets, including the legendary Sid Barnes. This early success set the stage for his future in state cricket.
War and Cricket
How did World War II impact Doug’s cricket career? After the war, Ring resumed his state cricket career in 1946–47. His most memorable innings was a century against Queensland at Melbourne, where he scored 145 runs. However, his bowling struggled due to an injury sustained during military service.
Test Debut and Early Success
What was Doug’s first Test match like? Ring made his Test debut in the 1947–48 season against India, replacing Colin McCool. He took three wickets for just 17 runs in a second-innings capitulation. His performance earned him a spot on the 1948 tour of England with ‘The Invincibles,’ though his impact was limited.
Regular Selection and Key Performances
How did Doug’s career evolve over time? In 1950, Ring went on a non-Test playing tour to New Zealand, where he took seven for 88 in his best first-class innings. His regular selection in the Australian Test team began in 1951, with Jack Iverson overtaking him as the preferred spin bowler.
Notable Matches and Series
What were some of Doug’s most memorable moments? In Brisbane against South Africa in 1952–53, Ring captained Victoria and scored 56 runs. He also took six wickets in the same match. His batting proved crucial in Melbourne as Australia chased 260 to win, reaching 218 for seven before Ring came in and scored decisive runs.
Later Career and Beyond
What did Doug do after his cricket career? After retiring from both first-class and Test cricket at the end of the 1953 tour, Ring joined the Victorian Department of Primary Industries. He later entered the media as a cricket commentator on Melbourne radio station 3DB in 1958 and then moved to television in 1961.
Style and Legacy
How did Doug’s style impact his career? Ring was known for his large hands, which allowed him to impart plenty of spin on the ball. As a batsman, he was considered an all-rounder but struggled with playing the ball in the air, limiting his run-scoring potential.
Doug Ring’s legacy is one of resilience and dedication. Despite facing challenges, he left an indelible mark on Australian cricket history. His journey from Hobart to becoming a Test cricketer and later a commentator showcases the multifaceted nature of his career in sports.
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This page is based on the article Doug Ring published in Wikipedia (retrieved on January 11, 2025) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
