by Mayukh Ghosh

When George Mann and Norman Yardley decided not to accept the post of captaincy for the Ashes in 1950-51, Freddie Brown was asked to do the job.
He was under a shower when asked the question, " Can you lead the team?"
He had recently taken up an appointment with an engineering firm, said ," I'll ask the boss."
The boss replied on the telephone," If you don't take the job, you're fired."
He took the responsibility.

The squad chosen was a strange one. Six of them were aged under 25. They had played a total of nine Tests between them.
One of them, Brian Close, had to obtain his release from National Service before he could give his confirmation.

Six of the seven batsmen chosen were openers.
Denis Compton was struggling with a knee injury and Cyril Washbrook initially thought that he wouldn’t be able to make it because of business commitments.
Washbrook did eventually go, though.
And Compton did make it after a minor surgery on his troubled knee. He was made the vice-captain.
Bill Edrich returned late to the team hotel during a Test match in 1950 and hence was not considered for this tour.
Two young extras flew out later- Brian Statham and Roy Tattersall.
Both having no experience at the highest level.

Alec Bedser later said: “It was the worst selected side I’ve ever seen. Freddie Brown had this idea that you had to be 21 to beat Australia. Some of them were only kids.”

Some of the exclusions were indeed baffling.
Jack Robertson and Dennis Brookes scored tons of runs at home. Both were not considered.

And Les Jackson. Perhaps the Most consistent opening bowler in England.
Gubby Allen thought that his arm was too low for him do any good in Australia. To put it politely, it was a stupid theory.

No one was really surprised when Australia won the series 4-1.