Keith Stackpole dead at 84: Former Australia batsman who scored 207 against England in the Ashes passes away
KEITH STACKPOLE has died at the age of 84.
The former Australian cricketer was notable for a famous 207 score against England in the 1970-71 Ashes.
Stackpole’s score came at the Gabba and was his highest Test score.
The right-handed opening batter also played in the first-ever one-day international.
He took three wickets in the 1971 match with his leg-spin bowling at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Stackpole was also the top scorer in the 1972 Ashes series while vice-captaining the team.
After retiring from the sport, he worked as a radio and TV commentator.
Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird hailed Stackpole in a tribute to the legend.
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.
Stackpole's career
Here is a look at Stackpole's career with Australia...
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
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.”