They were one of the greatest teams in sporting history; the Australian Test cricketers of 1948, known as ‘The Invincibles’.
The baggy-green brigade embarked on an imperious march through Britain, which came to an end at Mannofield in Aberdeen 71 years ago.
And, although there is only one surviving member of the squad – Neil Harvey – their memory lives on, which explains why a group of more than 50 Victorians turned up in the Granite City yesterday to visit the ground, play a couple of matches at the venue where Sir Don Bradman hit a majestic century in 1948, and pay homage to this enduring link between Scotland and Australia with a dinner last night.
They arrived on a tour of Keswick last week, and have committed to a 36-day odyssey, which will conclude in Cornwall in September.
But they were clearly fascinated by the memorabilia on show at Mannofield, which includes a bat signed by the ‘Invincibles’, and photographs of the famous occasion when more than 10,000 fans turned up to watch the Scotland v Australia match on September 17 and 18 more than seven decades ago.
As you might expect, the Veteran Cricket Victoria organisation contains some men in the autumn of their lives, but their delight at taking part in two Twenty20 matches yesterday confirmed these characters are forever boys of summer.
The occasion had been organised by former Scotland and Aberdeenshire player, Dale De Neef, who acted as mine host when the 53 Australians arrived in the Granite City.
He said: “They were particularly keen to see the ground where Sir Don Bradman scored his last century in the country 71 years ago.
“We are delighted to have them here, especially while the Ashes are taking place. They will be taking in at least one of the Tests.”
The VCV ensemble has enjoyed a 10-year history of world tours, including participating in fixtures in such far-flung places as the USA and Iceland.
They also have a connection with Mr Harvey, 90, who was one of the most graceful players of his golden generation.
The abbreviated games at Mannofield were followed by a dinner, appropriately enough in the Bradman Suite, where the Australians were joined by their new friends, including members of the Aberdeenshire side of the 1980s.
Victorian president Greg Johnson said: “Cricket is a game I have loved and played for the last 65 years and it is a catalyst for great friendships.
“Players such as Bradman and Harvey created a legacy which will never be forgotten and it’s tremendous to see these pieces of history, such as the bat and the wonderful old pictures of the match here in Aberdeen.”
