Barnes, Sid (1916-1973), an Australian cricketer , was an all-rounder—a batsman, spin bowler, wicketkeeper, and fielder. He played in three Test series against England and one against New Zealand. Test matches are part of the highest level of international cricket competition. Against England, he scored 846 runs with a batting average of 70.50 runs an innings. He bowled leg-break and was a brilliant fielder, taking positions close to the bat. His best score was a double century (200 runs) he made in partnership with Don Bradman in a Test against England. In that match, Bradman was dismissed for 234 runs. Barnes carried on to equal Bradman’s score, then deliberately lost his wicket. Barnes took 642 minutes to score the 234 runs—the slowest double century up to that time.
Sidney George Barnes was born on June 5, 1916, in Sydney, New South Wales. He began playing first-class cricket in 1936 and made his Test debut against England in 1938. His final Test appearance came against England in 1948. Barnes retired in 1949, then made a successful comeback in 1951. He retired again in 1953. He died on Dec. 16, 1973, in Sydney.
