Name:

Jones, Ernest

Nickname:

Ernie

Date of Birth:

30 Sep 1869

Gender:

Men

Place of Birth:

Auburn, SA

Date Died:

23 Nov 1943

Career:

Test: 1894 - 1902

Teams:

Australia (Country)
SA (Regional)

Ernest Jones (1869–1943) was a legendary fast bowler renowned as one of the quickest of the late 19th century. Playing for South Australia and Australia, he featured in 19 Test matches between 1894 and 1902, taking 64 wickets at an average of 29.27. Jones was celebrated—and feared—for his sheer pace and hostile bumpers at a time when protective gear was minimal.

A right-arm fast bowler with a slinging action, he generated sharp lift from even placid pitches. His most famous moment came during the 1897–98 Ashes when he bowled a delivery to W.G. Grace that reputedly knocked the great man’s beard aside, underscoring his ferocity. Jones was also one of the earliest bowlers to be called for “throwing” (suspected illegal arm action), though he continued to play at the highest level.

With the bat, Jones was a tailender, scoring one Test fifty. Despite a relatively brief international career, his intimidating speed and the controversies around his action made him a pioneering figure in the evolution of genuine fast bowling in Australia.