From the comfort of his armchair, 25 kilometres north of the Sydney Cricket Ground, the world's oldest living Test cricketer offers a perspective few can match. Neil Harvey, the last surviving member of Sir Donald Bradman's legendary 1948 'Invincibles', is now 97. His body may show its age, but his mind remains as sharp as ever, and his views on the modern game are unequivocal.
A Legend's View on Modern Batting and Bazball
Harvey, a dashing left-hander who scored over 6,000 Test runs at an average of 48, still loves the long-form game. However, he is deeply critical of England's recent 'Bazball' approach. "I've been disappointed in England," he states plainly. "The way they approach the batting side of things, they get too reckless. Nobody seems to want to build an innings, like a Cowdrey or a Boycott."
He believes this aggressive philosophy is flawed against top-tier opposition. "It might work against ordinary teams, but when you get a class side like Australia it's a different ballgame," Harvey explains. Drawing from his own attacking style, he adds, "I used to score runs relatively quickly... but when you try to play this Bazball thing it takes the odds away from winning an important Test. I'd like to see them pull their hooves in."
Memories of a Golden Era and Concerns for the Future
Surrounded by memorabilia—including gifts from Bradman and Lindsay Hassett, and his MBE and OAM—Harvey reflects on a storied career. He recalls his debut century at Headingley in 1948 at just 19 years old, and a famous 92 not out against the fearsome Frank Tyson in 1954. He toured England four times, witnessing London's post-war rebirth, and counts Lord's as his favourite ground, where he once captained Australia to victory in 1961.
Yet, the future of Test cricket worries him. "Ashes cricket is holding the game together out here," he observes, "there are so many poor cricket teams playing international cricket, I only wish I'd have played against them." He also takes issue with modern equipment, arguing, "I think these bats they use today are unfair. You don't have to hit it any more... the ball flies off and goes for four."
Praise for the Classics and a Life Well-Lived
Amidst his critiques, Harvey reserves high praise for contemporary players who embody traditional values. He names New Zealand's Kane Williamson and England's Joe Root as the best batsmen of recent times. Of Australian paceman Mitchell Starc, he says, "He's got everything, pace and bounce and swinging the ball... he's up there with one of the greats now."
Now largely retired from public life, Harvey's passions extend beyond the boundary. He enjoys horse racing, a glass of Barossa Shiraz, and keeps a keen eye on world affairs. With a chuckle, he notes, "In other words, I'm not quite dead yet." His voice, echoing from the era of Bradman and Hobbs, remains a powerful and poignant commentary on the game he loves.
