Edward Lambert a’Beckett, more commonly known as Ted a’Beckett, was a talented Australian cricketer who left an indelible mark on the sport during his career in the 1920s and 1930s. Born in East St. Kilda, Melbourne, on August 11, 1907, he came from a distinguished legal and sporting lineage. Standing at an impressive 6 feet tall, a’Beckett’s passion for cricket was evident from an early age.
Although his legal profession limited his cricket commitments, a’Beckett quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional skills on the field. At the young age of 21, after just six first-class matches, he was called up to the Australian XI following the unfortunate breakdown of Jack Gregory in the 1928-29 tour against England. During his Melbourne debut, a’Beckett showcased his ability by scoring a confident 41 runs and forging an impressive partnership of 86 runs for the seventh wicket with a 20-year-old Don Bradman, who scored 79. Additionally, a’Beckett displayed his bowling prowess by dismissing the veteran English batsman, Jack Hobbs, before the close of play.
Despite his limited international cricket experience, a’Beckett played in two Test matches for Australia. In these matches, he claimed two wickets at the expense of 216 runs and scored a commendable 104 runs in four innings. It was his exceptional catches to remove Hendren and Hammond at Melbourne that stood out as brilliant fielding displays. His remarkable athleticism and skills were evident when he took a catch at mid-wicket from a powerful pull shot, followed by a stunning catch at mid-on while flinging himself to his left as Hammond rounded a ball from offspinner Blackie.
While a’Beckett did not secure a place in the fifth Test, he earned a berth to tour England with the young Australian squad in 1930. Averaging 14.71 with the ball, he showcased his bowling talents by topping the national averages in 1929-30 with 28 wickets to his name. Additionally, he exhibited his batting prowess by scoring an impressive innings of 152 runs for Victoria at Adelaide, further solidifying his place on the tour.
During the England tour, a’Beckett played only one Test match, which took place at Headingley. Although he contributed a valuable 29 runs to the Australian scorecard, his fast-medium bowling failed to make significant inroads into the English batting lineup. Nevertheless, he made an impact in the field, earning plaudits for his exceptional catches, including the dismissal of Hobbs at silly mid-on.
Overall, a’Beckett’s role in the 1930 tour was invaluable as he scored a total of 454 runs and picked up 23 wickets, despite missing a month of the tour due to illness. Following his return from England, he played his last Test match against South Africa at Melbourne in 1931-32 before pursuing his legal career.
In his four Test appearances, a’Beckett accumulated 143 runs at an average of 20.43. His bowling figures were less impressive, totaling three wickets at an average of 317 runs. However, in first-class cricket, he displayed more consistency, scoring 1,636 runs at an average of 29.21 and taking 105 wickets at an average of 29.16.
One of the highlights of a’Beckett’s batting career came during a match in December 1928 when he narrowly missed a double century with scores of 113 and 95. Unfortunately, his performance was somewhat overshadowed by an extraordinary world-record 10th-wicket partnership of 307 runs between New South Wales batsmen Kippax and Hooker.
In addition to his cricketing achievements, a’Beckett was an all-rounder, having excelled in various sports during his time at Melbourne Grammar School. He participated in cricket, athletics, and Australian Rules football until a severe head injury forced him to retire from football.
After bidding adieu to professional cricket, a’Beckett pursued his successful career in law. He passed away on June 2, 1989, leaving behind a legacy as one of the surviving members of the 1930 Australian cricket team. With his remarkable skills, valuable contributions, and undeniable passion for the game, Ted a’Beckett will always be remembered as an integral part of Australian cricket history.