Brian Booth – Unassuming, extra-ordinary
Brian Booth’s 10,000 runs at an average of 45 was a monumental contribution to the St George Cricket club but his even greater legacy is the effect he has on every member of the club.
Always modest, never pushy, he was a source of calmness – good karma, if you like – that had a positive effect on everyone who played with him.
It fitted perfectly with the captain Warren Saunders’ search for excellence on the way St George cricket should be played, technically and ethically. Somehow, while seemingly unobtrusive. Brian added a spirit of “goodness” to the team. In no sense did it inhibit the dressing-room banter and camaraderie, which Brian used to quietly enjoy, but it did ensure that the banter rarely strayed outside the bounds of good taste.
Out in the middle, Brian appeared to bat in a seemingly effortless manner that had evolved from his hockey background, yet he was amazingly adaptable.
If the pitch was difficult and bowlers dynamic, Brian, while looking like a good wind would blow him away, would dig in along similar lines to Allan Border and Steve Waugh, a slight smile always on his face as he joined battle. A deflection here, a cover-drive there, and previously triumphant bowlers would retire from the attack with puzzled looks. And as the tide turned and quick runs were on offer or wee indeed needed, then Brian’s flashing blade would send the scorers into a tizz, with perspiring bowlers now receiving an apologetic half-smile from Brian as if to lament their performance.
He played for St George for 25 years during which he captained Australia in Test cricket and represented the nation in hockey at the 1956 Olympics.
Yet it was not all smooth sailing.
His Olympic hockey somewhat put a hold on his recognition as a cricketer, so that his Test debut did not come until he was 27, then considered old for a debutant. Five years later he was dropped from the Australian Test team he had just captained. And his dropping come one game short of the then provident fund qualification of 30 Tests. While he finished his NSW career having made most appearances, the finish came only because of the introduction of Sunday play in Shield matches, which did not fit with Brian’s personal beliefs.
Brian often acknowledged Warren Saunders was the driving force in the St George success, and was happy to be second in-charge.
And what a 2IC he was.
This story was originally published in the book written by John Rogers titled “Mr St George” - Warren Saunders and the culture of success he inspired.