‘After 85 overs Bill O’Reilly was still in there wheeling and ducking, clawing at the air with his left hand, sweating, snarling and muttering barely audible imprecations, dropping the ball on a length just too short to reach on the forward stroke without risk, giving no quarter and seeking none.’ - Sir Len Hutton
Bradman described O'Reilly as the best bowler he ever faced or saw. Here, the pair walk together to open a ceremonial match in 1976.
Possessed of an imposing physique and fiery temperament, Bill O'Reilly was a unique bowler.
Nominally a leg-spinner he bowled at medium pace with arms and legs flailing and extracted intimidating bounce. Guileful and unfailingly accurate 'Tiger', as he was known, was not a man to be crossed. He first played for New South Wales in 1927-28 but country postings as a schoolteacher delayed his inevitable ascent to the international arena until 1931-32.
He was Australia's pre-eminent spin bowler until the outbreak of World War II and showcasing a wicked googly, formed a devastating partnership with Clarrie Grimmett. Following his retirement from playing, O'Reilly became a renowned critic; protecting the interests of spin bowlers and advancing their cause. Happily, he lived to see Shane Warne debut.
Check out the full online exhibition on O'Reilly HERE
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