‘They hid it away’: The DNA test that revealed an Australian cricketer’s family secret

In January 1958, Ron Gaunt, a 23-year-old fast bowler from Western Australia, was flown to South Africa as an injury replacement for the Australian Test team. Within days, he made his debut in Durban, taking 2-87 in a drawn match captained by Ian Craig. Gaunt's career was promising, his red hair and ability to swing the ball earned him praise from contemporaries. However, recent DNA testing has revealed a long-buried family secret: Gaunt may have been Australia’s first Indigenous Test cricketer. Gaunt’s journey began in York, a town located about 100 kilometers east of Perth. Established in 1831, York was once home to the Ballardong Noongar people. In 1872, John Walkinshaw Cowan, whose brother later married Edith Cowan, a prominent social reformer and politician, had a child with an unnamed Aboriginal woman. This child, Matilda Cowan, became Ron Gaunt’s grandmother. Matilda was known locally as a strong-willed individual; at age 16, she successfully sued a local publican for unpaid wages. She owned land and eventually married Walter Gaunt, a bricklayer. Together, they raised several children, including Arthur, who later fathered Ron Gaunt. The family’s Indigenous heritage remained hidden for generations. During World War I, Arthur Gaunt listed his mother’s heritage as Maori to qualify for a £100 gratitude bond for returned servicemen. Over time, stories within the family attributed darker skin tones to Spanish ancestry or claims of marrying a Pacific Island princess. These narratives aimed to obscure the truth of their Indigenous roots. Ron Gaunt’s legacy extends beyond cricket. After retiring from playing, he coached at the Footscray Cricket Club, where he influenced Merv Hughes, guiding him toward a successful career as an all-rounder. His debut in 1958 predates the sole women’s Test played by Aunty Faith Thomas in February 1958 by a month and precedes Jason Gillespie’s appearance in 1996 by several decades. Today, other Indigenous players such as Ash Gardner, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett continue to represent Australia, with Boland set to play in Darwin, a region with a large Indigenous population. Gaunt’s story highlights broader issues surrounding Indigenous identity in Australia. The White Australia policy, which restricted non-white immigration and reinforced racial segregation, likely contributed to the concealment of his heritage. His family chose to hide their origins due to societal pressures and legal restrictions. Dudley Gaunt, Ron’s nephew, explained that the decision to keep the secret was driven by the need to avoid discrimination and hardship. The discovery through DNA testing has sparked discussions about the number of Indigenous athletes who may have contributed to Australian sports history while remaining unrecognized. It raises questions about how many talents were lost or diminished due to systemic racism and exclusion. As awareness grows, efforts to acknowledge and celebrate these contributions are gaining momentum. The revelation of Gaunt’s heritage has brought attention to the historical context of York, a town shaped by both European settlers and Indigenous peoples. The intermingling of cultures created complex identities that were often suppressed. With the uncovering of this secret, the narrative of Australian cricket, and indeed, Australian society, is evolving to include the voices and legacies of Indigenous Australians. The impact of this discovery continues to ripple through the cricketing world and beyond, prompting reflection on the past and a renewed commitment to inclusivity. As new generations of Indigenous players step onto the field, the legacy of pioneers like Ron Gaunt becomes increasingly relevant.