John William Hearne, known as “Young Jack,” was a renowned cricket player hailing from England. Despite enduring poor health for several years, his untimely death on September 14 at the age of 75 left a profound impact on the cricketing community. Hearne’s career for England and Middlesex was marked by remarkable achievements and a reputation as a talented all-rounder.
Born on February 11, 1891, Hearne made his debut for Middlesex in 1909, displaying early promise with an innings of 71 against Somerset. The following year, he scored 725 runs and took 49 wickets, foreshadowing his future success as an all-rounder. One notable match during this time, against Surrey at the Oval, saw Hearne and a teammate miss two crucial catches, resulting in their team’s loss.
Throughout the seasons of 1913, 1914, and 1920, Hearne consistently scored over 2,000 runs and took more than 100 wickets. In 1923, he was among the first four batsmen in cricket history to score a century each during a match against Hampshire at Southampton.
While Hearne’s potential was undeniable, his fragile health often hindered him. He suffered from brittle bones and was prone to injuries, which prevented him from achieving even greater records. Despite these setbacks, he remained a modest and helpful figure both on and off the field, providing support and encouragement to his teammates.
As a batsman, Hearne’s play was marked by artistry and precision. He was not known for sensationalism but exhibited superb technique, particularly in placing the ball in gaps. His straight shots, strong driving, and skillful placement on the on-side were highly admired. As he aged, Hearne adapted his approach, becoming more patient and defensive when necessary.
In addition to his batting prowess, Hearne was a skilled leg break and googly bowler. With over 1,800 first-class wickets at an average of under 25, he remained a significant asset to his team throughout his career. His controlled bowling style allowed him to maintain near medium-pace, and he often bowled from just a couple of paces.
Hearne’s fielding abilities were also noteworthy. He displayed fearlessness when faced with hard-hit balls, exemplified by his exceptional catch and bowled performance against Constantine in 1928. Unfortunately, this resulted in a severe hand injury that prematurely ended his season.
Hearne’s cricketing journey began at the age of 15 when he joined the Lord’s ground staff. By 18, he had made his first-class debut, scoring an impressive 71. In 1910, he achieved two centuries and secured seven wickets for two runs in five overs against Essex at Lord’s. The following year, Hearne accomplished the illustrious “double” and earned a spot on the tour of Australia.
Although Hearne’s bowling numbers were not exceptional during the Australian tour, he made a significant impact with the bat. He scored 76 and 43 in his debut Test match, remarkable for a newcomer. He followed this up with a match-winning 114 in his second Test. Despite playing in 19 more Test matches, Hearne surpassed the fifty-run mark only once more. Despite this, his contributions as a Middlesex player remained invaluable for the team. He went on to achieve 11 scores over 200 and completed the double in both 1920 and 1923.
Even as Hearne battled with ongoing health issues, he continued to play cricket for Middlesex until 1936. His dedication and longevity in the game was a testament to his passion for the sport. After retirement, he embarked on a coaching career at Lord’s, sharing his expertise with aspiring cricketers for many years. In recognition of his contributions, he was granted life-membership of the MCC in 1949.
Hearne’s impeccable attire, quiet demeanor, and subtle sense of humor made him a beloved figure among players and spectators alike. His death marked the loss of a true gentleman of the game. The impact he left on cricket, both as a player and mentor, continues to be cherished by those who had the privilege of witnessing his skills and character.
