Former Australia opener Keith Stackpole dies aged 84

Cliff Notes – Former Australia opener Keith Stackpole dies aged 84

• Keith Stackpole, a former Australian cricketer, passed away at the age of 84, having played 43 Tests and scored seven centuries during his career.
• He was known for his impressive record against England, averaging 55.21, and was a key player in the 1972 Ashes series, where he topped the run-scoring charts.
• Beyond his playing career, Stackpole contributed significantly to cricket as a commentator and mentor, earning recognition as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1973 and receiving an MBE in 1974.

Former Australia opener Keith Stackpole dies aged 84

Former Australia opener Keith Stackpole, who played 43 Tests and scored seven centuries, has died aged 84.

Stackpole made his debut against England in 1966 as a middle-order player who bowled legspin, but in early 1969 was elevated to opening where he partnered Bill Lawry.

Stackpole scored his maiden Test century against South Africa in Cape Town and his career-best 207 came against England at the Gabba in 1970.

He had an especially impressive record against England with an average of 55.21 including three of his centuries. In the 1972 Ashes, where he was Ian Chappell’s vice-captain, he topped the run-scoring with 485 at 53.88. He was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1973.

“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.”

His Test career ended with a pair against New Zealand at Auckland in 1974 which included falling to a full toss on the first ball of the game.

“I only saw it a yard away from my head,” he later wrote. “I pulled out of the way, but the ball flicked the end of the bat and flew to first slip. Maybe it was the first time in Test cricket that a fellow was out first ball without the ball ever touching the ground!”

Stackpole also featured in the first ever ODI in January 1971 where he claimed 3 for 40 at the MCG.

He was awarded an MBE in 1974 for services to cricket. Overall in first-class cricket he scored 10,100 runs and claimed 148 wickets. He went onto become a prominent TV and radio commentator.

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.”