Johnnie Moyes

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Alban George Moyes, known as ‘Johnnie’ or ‘Johnny’ (born 2 January 1893, Gladstone, South Australia, died 18 January 1963 at Chatswood, New South Wales), played 16 first-class cricket matches for South Australia and Victoria between 1912/13 and 1920/21. He achieved notability as a cricket radio commentator and author.

As a right-hand batsman Moyes scored 883 runs at an average of 29.43 and a highest score of 104 in 103 minutes, against Western Australia in his first season. His leg break bowling took 5 wickets at an average of 53.60, with best figures of 2 for 22. He was considered good enough to be selected for the Australian tour of South Africa in 1914, but this was cancelled because of the outbreak of World War I. He played for the Rest of Australia against New South Wales and Victor Trumper was so impressed that he invited him to play as a guest for Gordon Club in a club match. However he was out first ball!

Moyes served with distinction in World War I with the 1st AIF in England and France, earning the Military Cross. He played in a number of services’ matches in England and played two matches for Victoria.

Moving to Sydney as news editor and sports editor of leading newspapers, Moyes joined Gordon (who must have forgiven him for his previous failure!). In one club game he scored 218 runs in 83 minutes. He captained Gordon to a grade premiership in 1923-24, scoring 174 in the final. As a state selector for New South Wales in 1926/27 Moyes helped Don Bradman get his first taste of interstate cricket.

Moyes became well-known as a cricket commentator for the ABC between 1950 and 1963. Pollard describes him as “always bright and informative, a cheery character respected by players and listeners”. He was a prolific author and wrote the first definitive history of Australian cricket in 1959. Other works included books on Australian batsman, Australian bowlers, Bradman, Benaud, and many books of tours by Test nations. For his services to sport Moyes was awarded the MBE.

Moyes died suddenly at his home, three days after commentating on the Third Test of the 1962/63 series between Australia and England at Sydney.