Alec Hurwood
A fiery Australian fast bowler whose brief Test cricket career belied a fearsome reputation in domestic competition.
1902–1982 (age 80)·Australian cricketer·Birthday: June 17·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Alec Hurwood's name in cricket history is a footnote in Test match ledgers—two games against the West Indies in the 1930-31 season—but his story is one of what might have been. The Queenslander was a right-arm fast-medium bowler known for his aggressive pace and an intimidating presence on the field. In an era of uncovered pitches, his style was particularly potent. His Test debut came late, at 28, and though he took wickets, he was quickly overtaken by other selections. His true legacy was forged in the Sheffield Shield for Queensland, where for over a decade he was a consistent and feared wicket-taker. Hurwood embodied the hard-nosed, state-level professional whose skill sustained the domestic game, providing the tough competition that shaped the stars of his generation.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Alec was born in 1902, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alec Was Born
The biggest hits of 1902
Alec's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1902Born
The eruption of Mount Pelee kills 30,000 in Martinique
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1907Started school
Financial panic grips Wall Street
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1915Became a teenager
The Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat
President: Woodrow Wilson
1918Could drive
World War I ends; Spanish flu pandemic kills millions
President: Woodrow Wilson
1920Could vote
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1923Turned 21
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1932Turned 30
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1942Turned 40
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1952Turned 50
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 60
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 70
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 80
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
Key Achievements
- Represented Australia in two Test matches during the 1930-31 series against the West Indies.
- Took 197 first-class wickets at an average of 28.65 across his career.
- Was a leading bowler for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield for more than a decade.
Did You Know?
He was nicknamed 'Hurry' for his bowling pace.
He worked as a clerk for the Queensland Railways while playing cricket.
His first-class career spanned from 1925 to 1937.
“A fast bowler's job is to make the batsman uncomfortable.”
