Keith Stackpole, former Australia opener who also played for them in the middle order earlier passes away aged 84.
Keith Stackpole has passed away aged 84.
Stackpole played 43 Tests and scored seven centuries in his playing career for Australia.
After making his debut against England in 1966 as a middle-order bowler of legspin, Stackpole was promoted to opening batsman in early 1969, where he was paired with Bill Lawry.
Stackpole’s career-high 207 against England at the Gabba in 1970 followed his first Test century against South Africa in Cape Town.
With an average of 55.21, which included three of his hundreds, he had an exceptionally strong record versus England. As Ian Chappell’s vice-captain in the 1972 Ashes, he led the run-scoring with 485 at 53.88. In 1973, he received the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award.
“Keith was one of the great contributors to the game of cricket and his legacy will live long into the future,” Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said. “Not only was he an outstanding player for Australia and Victoria, his work in the media, radio and TV commentary and as a mentor to many players who followed in his footsteps demonstrated his enduring passion and influence in the game.”
In January 1971, Stackpole played in the inaugural ODI, taking 3 for 40 at the MCG.
In 1974, he received an MBE for his contributions to cricket. He took 148 wickets and scored 10,100 runs overall in first-class cricket. He later rose to prominence as a radio and television analyst.
Cricket Victoria chair Ross Hepburn said: “Keith was a giant of the game – a brilliant cricketer, a passionate Victorian, and a proud Australian. His courage at the crease and his deep understanding of the game made him one of the most respected figures of his time.
“Keith was a true statesman of Victorian cricket. He played the game with great spirit and remained a devoted ambassador for cricket long after his playing days were over. His legacy will endure not only in the record books, but in the hearts of all Victorian cricket lovers.”