Australian Cricket Icons
Bradman, Chappell, Waugh, McGrath and other Cricket Legends
Aussies love cricket and tourists may be bewildered by the reverence given to past and present players. Read on to discover some Australian cricket trivia.
The Greatest
Sir Donald ‘ The Don’ Bradman – [played 1928 – 1948]
Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack calls Bradman ‘beyond any argument, the greatest cricketer who ever lived’. With a test average of 99.94 and a first-class high score of 452 not out, Bradman has had no equal even in modern times. In his final test innings he was clean bowled for a duck (zero runs) – a mere four runs shy of an impressive 100 average.
1970s Cricket
The Chappells – Cricketing brothers from South Australia, Ian [1962-1980], Greg [1967 – 1984] and Trevor [1972-1985]. Ian and Greg both captained Australia, and Ian is particularly well known for his television commentary work. Trevor was less successful than his older brothers, and is remembered mostly for an infamous underarm delivery. In a 1981 One Day International against New Zealand, he was ordered by his captain (brother Greg) to bowl the final ball of the match along the ground to prevent a match-winning six run boundary.
Caught Marsh, bowled Lillee – Wicketkeeper Rod Marsh [1968-1984] and fast bowler Dennis Lillee [1969-1988] were 1970s Australian cricket stalwarts. Achieving 95 test dismissals together, their names are forever linked. Both remain involved in international cricket through player development.
Doug Walters [1962-1981], Max Walker [1968-1982] – Walters and Walker were the larrikins of the 1970s squad. Both were excellent cricketers, whose off-field legends unfortunately often outshone their on-field efforts.
1980s Cricket
Allan Border [1976-1996] – a solid left-handed batsmen and occasional spin bowler, Border is best known as “Captain Cranky”. He took over a languishing Australian team in 1985 and developed them into a tougher, more professional team by the time he retired as captain (1994). He is now an Australian selector.
David Boon [1978-1999], Merv Hughes [1981-1995] – like Walker and Walters, both batsman ‘Boonie’ and fast bowler ‘Big Merv’ are iconic for their personalities, rather than cricketing skills. Boon is immortalised for breaking the drinking record on a Sydney to London QANTAS flight, while Merv’s interaction with spectators made him one of the games most popular players.
Commentary Team
Channel Nine Australia’s cricket commentary team consists primarily of former players. Guest commentators are introduced each summer, but the basic team has remained constant for many years.
Richie Benaud [1948-1964] – the face of Australian cricket for three decades, Benaud is unmistakable as the head of the team. A former captain and highly successful all-rounder, his knowledge of cricket makes him the elder statesman of the televised game.
Tony Greig [1965-1978] and Bill Lawry [1955-1972] - It may seem odd to include Greig, a South African who played for England, as an Australian icon, but Greig and Lawry’s combined commentary has been part of the Australian summer for at least a generation.
Modern Day Game
The Waugh Brothers –Steve Waugh [1984-2004] was one of Australia’s most successful captains, continuing the professionalism set by his predecessors. Steve’s tour diaries remain popular cricket books in Australia. Twin brother Mark [1985-2004] was somewhat overshadowed by Steve’s success, leading to the nickname ‘Afghanistan’ (the forgotten Waugh/war) but leaves an excellent record as a slips fielder and batsman.
Glenn McGrath [1992-2007] This paceman from country NSW became an integral part of the Australian team for over a decade thanks to his unswerving accuracy and intensity. McGrath’s presence in a test team often made the difference between a win and a shattering loss.
Shane Warne [1991-2007] Making as many headlines for off-field allegations of adultery, match fixing and diet pill use as for his excellent leg-spin bowling, Warne remains one of the games most controversial figures. Despite this, he was named one of Wisden’s five greatest cricketers of the 20th Century.
