Former Australian Test Opener Keith Stackpole Dies at 84
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Synopsis
Keith Stackpole, the former Australian Test opener and a cricketing legend, has passed away at the age of 84. He had a distinguished career, playing 43 Tests and scoring seven centuries. His contributions to cricket, both on and off the field, will be remembered.
Key Takeaways
- Keith Stackpole played 43 Tests for Australia.
- He scored seven centuries during his career.
- Stackpole was a significant player in the 1972 Ashes series.
- His highest score was 207 runs in a single innings.
- He retired in 1974, finishing with 2,807 Test runs.
New Delhi, April 23 (NationPress) Keith Stackpole, the former Australian Test opener, has passed away at the age of 84. He had a remarkable career spanning eight years from 1966 to 1974, during which he played 43 Tests and achieved seven centuries.
Stackpole made his Test debut in January 1966 against England in Adelaide, where he scored 43 runs off 64 balls while batting at No. 8 and also took two wickets in the second innings, contributing to Australia’s victory by an innings and nine runs.
Cricket Australia expressed their sorrow, saying, "All of us at Cricket Australia are mourning the passing of former Australian and Victorian cricketer Keith Stackpole, MBE. Keith was a passionate Victorian and a proud Australian who played the game with spirit, courage, and respect."
After being left out of the 1968 Ashes tour, Stackpole served as vice-captain under Chappell during the 1972 Ashes series, where he excelled as the highest run-scorer with 485 runs while opening the batting.
Chappell fondly recalled, "He was a terrific help to me in ways that were often unnoticed... If something needed to be done, Stacky was there to do it. I remember during the third Test at Trent Bridge in 1972, he quietly suggested a third slip, which led to a catch shortly after."
Stackpole achieved his highest first-class score of 207 runs during the first Test of the 1970-71 Ashes series at the Gabba, which included 25 fours and one six. Despite Australia’s overall series defeat of 2-0, he was the leading run-scorer with 627 runs at an average of 52.25.
He concluded his international career in 1974, finishing with a total of 2,807 Test runs at an average of 37.42, which included seven centuries. His final match was against New Zealand in Auckland, where he unfortunately ended with a pair.
Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird remarked, "Keith Stackpole was a significant contributor to cricket, and his legacy will endure. His influence extended beyond his playing days, as he also worked in media, radio, and TV commentary and mentored many aspiring players."
He is survived by his wife Pat and children Peter, Tony, and Angela.
