Ernie Mayne was one of the best opening batsmen produced by Australian cricket but he had the misfortune to play in an era when the country was blessed with talent. A tall, stylish player, he excelled at the cut and the drive but was let down by being a poor fielder and this contributed to his only winning four caps.

He first appeared for South Australia in 1906, winning a place on the 1912 tour of England where he did well in a side blighted by infighting and poor behaviour, appearing in two Tests. He led a strong side to America in 1914 and by that time was also captaining his state.

He switched to Victoria after the war - going on to skipper them as well - and in 1921 returned to England under Warwick Armstrong, but his opportunities were limited and his enthusiasm in endless minor matches waned. Despite that he toured South Africa in 1921-22, playing his final two Tests but again without any success.

In 1923-24 he (209) and Bill Ponsford (248) set up a first-wicket record for the state by scoring 456 against Queensland at Melbourne, and in 1924-25 he was one of the first radio commentators, broadcasting on the two Ashes Tests at the MCG for a local radio station.
Martin Williamson

• All out for 25 (Jul 2, 2003)