Born 1869 Auburn, South Australia

Died 1943, Adelaide

Played for South Australia, Western Australia and Australia

FC 1892 - 1907 2,390 runs (13.13) and 641 wickets (22.83)

Tests 19 126 runs (5.04), 64 wickets (29.01)

Ernie Jones or Jonah was the best fast right arm bowler of his time. Like Harold Larwood he was a miner, short but powerfully built. His run up was short and due to his lack of height, he used his body power to his full potential. Early in his career he bowled 'all out' for speed and to maximise his short pitched bowling threat. However after being called for throwing in a test match in 1897 he decided to concentrate on line and length, improving his return in the process. He toured England in 1896, 1899 and 1902 taking 322 wickets at 19 a piece.

One of his most famous balls came in a match in 1896 when he bowled a ball through Dr WG Grace's beard and in reply to the consternation from the batsman he replied' Sorry Doctor, she slipped!' Jonah was a good batsman, which made up for his lack of ability with the bat, preferring to field at mid-off. During a tour of England he was introduced to royalty in the form of Edward VII and when asked if he had attended a certain college in Australia, he replied," yes I take the dustcart there regularly!"