Leo Patrick Joseph O’Brien, also known as Leo O’Brien, was a legendary cricketer hailing from Australia. Born on June 11, 1912, Leo O’Brien holds the distinction of being the oldest Australian Test cricketer at the time of his death. His demise marked the passing of an era, leaving Sir Donald Bradman as the only survivor from both sides of the famous Bodyline series.
Although his international career spanned a mere five matches, Leo O’Brien’s impact on Australian cricket was significant. One of his most memorable moments came during the MCC’s tour of Australia in 1932-33 when he found himself batting alongside an Australian XI against the famous visitors. Observing the opposition setting up a leg-side field, O’Brien correctly informed them that he, being a left-hander, was the one at the non-striker’s end. This display of sportsmanship showcased his helpful and good-natured character. He would go on to score a determined 46 runs that day, earning him a spot in the Melbourne Test.
Leo O’Brien’s first Test series against England saw him contributing to Australia’s only victory, with scores of 10 and 11. His consistent performances led to his inclusion in the last Test at Sydney, where he notched up a commendable score of 61. The upcoming tour of England in 1934, however, did not see O’Brien’s selection, but he made a return to international cricket in the 1935-36 tour of South Africa. In the two Test matches he played, both resulted in emphatic victories for Australia, and O’Brien’s innings of 59 and 48 proved instrumental to his team’s success.
Leo O’Brien’s career came to a close during the following season’s Ashes series in 1936 when he played his final Test match against England in Sydney. Unfortunately, he scored an unremarkable total of 0 and 17 in his last appearance. Despite this, his overall contributions to Australian cricket cannot be underestimated.
Beyond the cricket field, Leo O’Brien displayed his talents in various other sports. Before his cricketing debut for Victoria in the 1929-30 season, he excelled in baseball, proving to be a standout player. Additionally, he delved into amateur boxing and achieved remarkable success, winning all of his fights except for his final one. Following his retirement from professional sports, he secured employment with the tax department. Leo O’Brien also shared his love for cricket by coaching in Asia and developed a passion for breeding racehorses as a hobby.
Notably, O’Brien’s dedication to the sport extended far beyond his professional career. He continued to play cricket well into his seventies and maintained an incredible streak of participating in at least one match per year on the hallowed grounds of the Melbourne Cricket Ground for over fifty years.
Leo Patrick Joseph O’Brien’s contribution to Australian cricket extends far beyond his brief international career. His sportsmanship, determination, and friendly nature endeared him to fans and players alike. His legacy as a cricketer and all-round sportsman will forever be remembered and cherished by cricket enthusiasts around the world.
