Colin McCool
A crafty Australian leg-spinner and handy batsman whose career was defined by resilience, often shining just outside the brightest spotlight.
1916–1986 (age 70)·Australian cricketer·Birthday: December 9·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Colin McCool’s cricket story is one of talent persistently nudged by misfortune. Emerging from Sydney’s Paddington district, he was a classic all-rounder: a round-arm leg spinner with a deceptive googly and a pugnacious lower-order batsman, particularly strong square of the wicket. His Test debut in 1946 was dreamlike, taking a wicket with his second ball. He became a fixture in the post-war Australian side, known for his fighting innings and tricky bowling. The pinnacle was selection in Don Bradman’s legendary 1948 ‘Invincibles’ tour of England. Yet, a cruel twist of fate saw him miss all the Test matches on that tour due to injury. He later moved to Queensland, revitalizing their team and proving his class as a senior professional before a final, brief return to Test cricket in 1950.
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.
Colin was born in 1916, 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 Colin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1916
#1 Movie
Intolerance
Colin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1916Born
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1921Started school
First commercial radio broadcasts
President: Warren G. Harding"My Man" — Fanny Brice
1929Became a teenager
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1932Could drive
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1934Could vote
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1937Turned 21
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1946Turned 30
United Nations holds its first General Assembly
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $5,150Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Prisoner of Love" — Perry ComoBest Picture: The Best Years of Our Lives
1956Turned 40
Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $10,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Heartbreak Hotel" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: Around the World in 80 Days
1966Turned 50
Star Trek premieres on television
Gas: $0.32/galHome: $14,200Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"The Ballad of the Green Berets" — SSgt Barry SadlerBest Picture: A Man for All Seasons
1976Turned 60
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1986Turned 70
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
Key Achievements
- Took a wicket with his second delivery in Test cricket on his debut against New Zealand in 1946.
- Was a member of Donald Bradman's undefeated 1948 Australian touring team to England, known as 'The Invincibles'.
- Scored a Test century (104 not out) against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1947.
- Played a pivotal role in Queensland's first-ever Sheffield Shield victory in 1955-56 as a captain and senior player.
Did You Know?
He was known by the nickname 'Kanga'.
After retiring as a player, he served as a national selector for Australia for several years.
He once took 8 wickets for 86 runs in an innings while playing for Queensland against South Australia.
His son, Michael McCool, also played first-class cricket for Queensland.
“I could turn a game with a googly or a quick thirty.”
