John Ryder, a prominent Australian cricket player, made a significant impact on the sport throughout his career. Born on July 1, 1893, in Melbourne, Australia, Ryder displayed immense talent from an early age and became known for his exceptional all-round abilities on the cricket pitch. While he may have fallen short of his contemporaries’ extraordinary standards, Ryder’s contributions to the game were still remarkable.
Ryder’s cricket journey began in 1912 when he made his debut for Victoria. In his first season, he showcased his bowling prowess by taking thirty wickets at an impressive average of 15.40. This excellent performance suggested a new rising star in Australian cricket. Ryder’s ability to make the ball swing and lift, combined with his fastish right-arm bowling, made him a formidable opponent on the field. Additionally, his batting average of 33 further emphasized his multifaceted skills.
Despite a slight dip in his bowling performance the following season, Ryder delivered an outstanding all-round display against South Australia. In the first innings, he claimed seven wickets for 88 runs, while contributing 36 not out and a century (105) with the bat. His brilliant performances in the 1914-15 season saw his batting average soar to an impressive 85, albeit at the cost of a slightly higher bowling average of 28.62.
However, Ryder’s cricketing promise as a bowler was not fully realized following the interruption of World War I. When the sport resumed after the war, Ryder’s bowling abilities declined, and he became a bowling change rather than a frontline bowler. During his tours in England, he primarily served as a backup to the leading bowlers during less significant matches. In Tests against England, his bowling average reached 48.66 per wicket. Nevertheless, Ryder managed to secure a spot in all five Tests against Douglas’s side in 1920-21, where he displayed a highest score of 52 not out with an average of 18.85. His innings of 54 and 105 in a match against the Englishmen playing for Victoria helped him retain his place in the final two Tests. However, his disappointment must have been palpable when he failed to secure a spot in any of the Test matches in England that summer.
Ryder’s fortunes changed during the tour of Arthur Gilligan’s side in 1924-25. Although a back injury ruled him out of consideration for the first two Tests, Ryder’s remarkable performance in the third Test cannot be understated. Batting at number six with the score at 119 for six, he depicted outstanding concentration and resilience, scoring a magnificent 201 runs in just six and a half hours. This innings showcased his attacking prowess and was accompanied by a score of 88 in the second innings. It should be noted, however, that the English bowling side was severely depleted due to injuries, with several key players unable to perform at their best.
Unfortunately, Ryder’s disappointment in England continued during the 1926 tour, as he failed to make a significant impact in the Test matches. Nevertheless, he was bestowed with the captaincy in 1928-29 against Chapman’s side, a challenging assignment considering the team’s key players had recently retired, and injuries plagued the squad during the series. Despite Australia’s 4-1 defeat against a formidable opponent, Ryder’s exceptional batting performances, including a century in the third Test and a remarkable average of 54.66, absolved him of any blame. However, the selectors surprisingly left him out of the 1930 team for England, generating considerable surprise and resentment. This omission likely arose due to a belief that if Ryder were to tour, he should be appointed captain, and Victor Woodfull was deemed the better choice for the role.
In addition to his playing career, Ryder’s involvement in cricket extended beyond the field. He continued to represent Victoria until 1931-32 and captained an unofficial Australian side during a tour of India in 1935-36. Moreover, Ryder served as a selector from 1946 to 1970, actively contributing to the development of young players and the growth of the game. Standing over six feet tall, Ryder possessed remarkable power in his front-of-the-wicket shots, making him an imposing figure in Australian cricket.
Ryder’s remarkable achievements included his highest score of 295 against New South Wales in 1926, contributing to Victoria’s record-breaking total of 1107. Throughout his career, Ryder may not have reached the same level of greatness as some of his contemporaries, but his dedication, skill, and contributions to the sport earned him a place of honor in Australian cricket history. John Ryder’s impressive legacy will forever be remembered as a testament to his love for the game and his enduring impact on the sport of cricket.
