In the old days of Ashes tours when ambassadorial duties demanded the packing of dinner suits and a supply of quality dress shirts, it was felt Bert Ironmonger lacked the necessary social graces to successfully represent his country overseas.  He mowed lawns for a living. He’d lost half his forefinger in a farming accident as a child. His action was suspect.

Australia’s captain Bill Woodfull wanted him to reinforce 1930 touring party but the conservative nature of officialdom meant old Bert was never given the call.

He remained Australia’s outstanding bowler on home wickets and even helped Don Bradman to his only century of the 1932-33 Bodyline summer, despite being the ultimate No.11 with an average batting time of less than five minutes at the crease. He never let on that he’d turned 50.

His roller-coasting story is fascinating and has been told, warts and all, by Max Bonnell in a limited edition of just 300, the latest in my nostalgia series featuring the heroes of yesteryear.

The first 100 of Dainty, the Bert Ironmonger Story have been signed by Bert’s immediate family: grandson Bob and great-grandsons Ric and Rob.

A quality hardback with picture covers, the book consists of 184 pages and has dozens of little known photographs. It is a truly magnificent production following biographies of Cec Pepper, EA ‘Ted’ McDonald and CTB ‘Terror’ Turner.

For more details, just email Ken at kenpiesse@ozemail.com.au or visit his website cricketbooks.com.au