Ernest Bromley (cricketer)
An Australian wicketkeeper whose brief Test career was defined by a single, spectacular performance behind the stumps.
1912–1967 (age 55)·Australian cricketer·Birthday: September 2·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Ernest Harvey Bromley's story in the baggy green is one of fleeting brilliance. The wicketkeeper-batsman from New South Wales burst onto the Test scene in the 1932-33 Ashes, a series already immortalized for its 'Bodyline' tactics. Bromley's debut in the fifth Test at Sydney was quiet, but he secured his place in cricket lore during his second and final match the following year against South Africa in Durban. In that game, he equalled a world record by claiming seven dismissals in a single innings—six catches and a stumping—a feat of sharp reflexes and concentration. Despite this stunning display, his batting failed to convince the selectors, and his international career ended as abruptly as it began. Bromley returned to a successful first-class career with New South Wales, remembered not for longevity but for one day of perfect glovework that showcased the game-changing potential of a specialist keeper.
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.
Ernest was born in 1912, 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 Ernest Was Born
The biggest hits of 1912
Ernest's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1912Born
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1917Started school
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1925Became a teenager
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Could drive
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1930Could vote
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Turned 21
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1942Turned 30
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 40
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 50
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
1967Died at 55
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
Key Achievements
- Equalled the world record for most dismissals in a Test innings (7) during the 1934 match against South Africa in Durban.
- Represented Australia in two Test matches, one in the 1932-33 Ashes and one against South Africa in 1934.
- Played 55 first-class matches for New South Wales between 1931 and 1940.
Did You Know?
All seven of his record-tying dismissals in the 1934 Test were off the bowling of leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett.
He served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.
His son, Greg Bromley, also played first-class cricket for New South Wales.
“You take your chances when the ball comes your way.”
