Noble, M. A. (Montague Alfred), 1873-1940.

Test cricket certainties and possibilities for 1928-1929 : a review of the prospective players on both sides, the Australian attackers and the English defenders / by M.A. Noble. (Sydney : New Century Press, [1928])

Noble was captain of the Australian team from 1903 to 1909. Best known as a batsman, he was also a capable swing bowler. He wrote several books; of particular note are his accounts of the Ashes series in 1925, 1926 and 1929, and was one of the pioneers in broadcasting test matches.

The book on display is significant partly because it has been signed by Don Bradman. It was during this series that Bradman was first chosen to play for Australia. Noble has him first among the cricketers he describes in the section, “New blood”,

D. Bradman (New South Wales). Bradman is a country man who has played for his club and district, and who, in his first inter-state match, against South Australia, made a century. He is a right-handed batsman, short in build, fairly strong, and very active. There is nothing stodgy about either the man or his play. He is a good starter, has plenty of confidence and pluck, is a quick scorer, and puts lots of power into his shots; indeed, one wonders where all the power comes from. He must have a very quick eye, for he is very fleet of foot, and walks down the pitch with great daring to make splendid strokes off deliveries which might otherwise prove difficult propositions even to play. His style is somewhat similar to that of Clem Hill, and, like the famous left-hander, he impresses with the idea that he is thoroughly enjoying himself. He is a most likeable chap and altogether a good type of cricketer. (p. 48)