#wisden five

Bill O'Reilly — 'Tiger' and Australia's Best 1930s Bowler

Bill O'Reilly debuted for Australia in February 1932 and was, until World War II ended his Test career, the most feared bowler in the world. A leg-spinner who bowled at near-medium pace with sharp turn and bounce, he took 144 wickets in 27 Tests at 22.59, was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1935, and stood at the centre of the Bradman-O'Reilly rivalry that would mark Australian dressing rooms across the decade.