Wally Grout - First Class Cricket

First Class Cricket

Grout's early nickname in Shield cricket was "The Voice", from his habit of joking and talking behind the stumps. He was unable to play in his favoured role as keeper due to the presence of Australian keeper Don Tallon. Grout described what he felt was his biggest setback in the 1947–48 season as Tallon was playing for Australia in the Test series against India; initially hopeful for the Queensland keeper spot, he was overlooked in favour of future Australian hockey captain Doug Siggs.

Queensland state selector Vic Honour had reminded Grout that Siggs was a better batsman, but Grout disagreed, noting that the keeper is responsible for the runs of every wicket missed.

He stated,

"I dropped Hassett in a Shield match at home in 1947 off spinner Mick Raymer before the perky little Victorian had scored. Lindsay said 'Ta' and threashed 200. Where was I going to get a double century to compensate? My two innings in that match totalled seven runs."

Grout finally played as keeper for Queensland in 1949 as Tallon decided to switch to spin bowling. This lasted only one match, however; the selectors were unhappy and Tallon resumed keeping.