Rayford Harold Robinson, widely known as Ray Robinson, was an immensely talented cricket player who hailed from Australia. Born on June 13, 1914, in the small town of Stockton, New South Wales, Robinson possessed a natural flair for the game that made him a standout player during his prime.
Despite his exceptional abilities on the cricket field, Robinson’s career was unfortunately brief, and he remained underappreciated throughout his life. After displaying his prowess with stylish and captivating innings, he managed to earn a spot in the national team for the Brisbane Test in the summer of 1936-37. However, a series of unfortunate events led to a premature end to his international career.
In his debut match, Robinson was unable to make a substantial impact, scoring only two and three runs in both innings. To make matters worse, his dismissal occurred while attempting an ambitious hook shot, contributing to Australia’s subsequent defeat. Consequently, Robinson was dropped to the position of 12th man for the following game, which was a crushing blow to a player filled with immense potential.
Following his disappointment at the national level, Robinson continued to play domestic cricket in South Australia. However, he could never fully regain the form and elegance that had initially caught the selectors’ attention. Despite his undeniable talent, fortune did not favor Robinson, and he gradually faded from the public eye.
After his spell with South Australia, Robinson returned to his birthplace, New South Wales, before making a move to Otago, New Zealand. Unfortunately, even in a fresh environment, he was unable to resurrect his career to its previous glory. As the years passed, Robinson’s contributions became overshadowed by younger and more successful players, despite his undeniable potential.
Tragically, Ray Robinson passed away on August 10, 1965, in Stockton, New South Wales, at the age of 51. Throughout his life, he remained an enigmatic figure in Australian cricket history, a player who had displayed immense promise but was never able to translate it into a sustained international career.
Despite the limited opportunities that came his way, Robinson’s elegant strokeplay and natural ability with the bat made him a player to remember. His brief but captivating appearances left a lasting admiration among those who witnessed his talents firsthand.
Though his international record may not have witnessed great achievements, Ray Robinson’s flair and the grace with which he played the game ensured that he would forever be remembered as a gifted cricketer. While his career remained a tale of unfulfilled potential, his legacy as an artist with the willow has continued to inspire future generations of Australian cricketers.
(Note: The provided link does not contain specific statistics for Rayford Harold Robinson)
