AUSTRALIAN cricket great Keith Stackpole has died at the age of 84.
The former Australian opening batsman was most famous for a knock of 207 against England in the 1970-71 Ashes.
Stackpole’s mammoth innings came at the Gabba in Brisbane and was his highest Test score.
He was one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year in 1973.
The right-handed batsman also played in the first-ever one-day international – taking three wickets in the 1971 match with his occasional leg-spin at the MCG.
Stackpole also top scored for the Aussies in the 1972 Ashes series, when he was vice-captain.
After retiring from the sport, ‘Stacky’ worked as a radio and TV commentator.
Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird hailed Stackpole.
He said: “Keith was one of the great contributors to the game of cricket and his legacy will live long into the future.
“It is testament to his talent and standing that he was one of the five Wisden cricketers of the year in 1973 and was awarded the MBE in 1974 for services to cricket.
“Keith was one of the great contributors to the game of cricket and his legacy will live long into the future.
“Not only was he an outstanding player for Australia and Victoria, but 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.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Watch cricket fan pull out outrageous one-handed catch in Women’s Ashes match… and manage not to spill a drop of beer” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367004826112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”] [boxout headline=”Stackpole’s international career” featured-image=”34596005″ intro=”Here is a look at Stackpole’s Australia career…”]Test
- Matches – 43
- Runs scored – 2,807
- Batting average – 37.42
- 100s/50s – 7/14
- Top score – 207
- Balls bowled – 2,321
- Wickets – 15
- Bowling average – 66.73
- Best bowling – 2/33
- Catches – 47
ODI
- Matches – 6
- Runs scored – 224
- Batting average – 37.33
- 100s/50s – 0/3
- Top score – 61
- Balls bowled – 77
- Wickets – 3
- Bowling average – 18.00
- Best bowling – 3/40
- Catches – 1
Legendary Australia fast bowler Merv Hughes tweeted: “Very sad news indeed. Stacky was a fantastic cricketer… but more so a great bloke -and one hell of a cricket coach.
“I learnt a hell of a lot from both him and Ian Redpath. R.I.P. Keith. Condolences to the Stackpole family.”
Ross Hepburn, the Cricket Victoria chair insisted that Stackpole was “a giant of the game”.
He said: “His courage at the crease and his deep understanding of the game made him one of the most respected figures of his time.”
Fans have also paid tribute to the icon on social media.
One posted: “Very sorry to hear of the passing of Keith Stackpole, one of the nicest people I have worked with, a true gentleman.”
A second commented: “RIP Keith Stackpole, a no-nonsense batsman and a no-no-nonsense man.”
A third wrote: “Always generous with his time, called it the way it was and all our thoughts with Stacky’s family.”
A fourth said: “Very sad news indeed. Stacky was a fantastic cricketer, but more so a great bloke – and one hell of a cricket coach.”