Les Favell

Who was Les Favell?

Leslie Ernest Favell was an Australian cricketer who played in 19 Tests from 1954 to 1961. South Australia's fourth highest run scorer, Favell was a much loved character and a daring batsman who liked to hit the ball around the ground.

Favell moved to South Australia in 1951—joining the East Torrens Cricket Club. He debuted for South Australia the same year—playing 121 games and captaining 95 games including Sheffield Shield victories in 1963/64 and 1968/69. He made his test debut against England in 1954-55 at Brisbane after making 84 and 47 against them for South Australia, but he failed in the series and was dropped. He is mentioned in Lord Kitchener's calypso single The Ashes "Les Favell got going, his wicket went tumbling", referring to his 30, caught Cowdrey bowled Tyson, the first wicket of Tyson's lethal 7-27 in the 3rd Test at Melbourne.