It was an era where Cricket was going to enter a new phase in coming years. 1928- 29 Ashes series. Australia thrashed in the first three matches on their home turf by a very strong English Bowling attack. The fourth test was looking nothing different. Australia were three down for mere 19 runs in response to England’s 334 in the first innings. The English bolwers Larwood, Tait and Hadmond were in full flow and the aggressive short balls tested the Aussies on their own bouncy wicket in Adelade. Even though Australians had lost the Ashes, the crowd had still packed the stadium in hope of better days. Woodful, Hendry and Kipocks were back in the pavilion and the audience was losing hope.

Then suddenly, a youngster started hitting shots. Cuts, pulls, cover drives. The audience grabbed their seats. A sweet looking boy playing his first ever innings on international level took the challenge of the English bowlers. He came to open the innings and lead the whole team with a stylish and worth 164. He played the whole day and never left a chance to smash a bad ball. The name was Jackson. Archie Jackson.

For the audience that saw him play, he was none other than the legendary Victor Trumper. A new legend was about to conquer the center stage in Australia. With remarkable numbers in domestic cricket, Jackson made his selection worth. However, the fate did not allow him the same charisma in achievements that he had on his face. At the age of just 23, Jackson left the world due to severe health conditions and tuberculosis. In his span of four years in International career, he averaged 47.80 in 8 test matches. Jackson’s record for New South Wales was impressive as well. But what impressed the people around him was, his calm, down to earth nature despite being one of the gifted. His cover drives were impeccable, and so was his pull shot. He is always remembered for his debut test hundred that made England bowlers taste sweat.

Jackson could have been great. But may be not. The same match Jackson made his debut, another youngster made his debut for Australians. The one who got a chance to become great later on. The other debutant was Sir Don Bradman.

Destiny!