Keith Stackpole, a former Australian Test opener renowned for his aggressive batting and significant contributions to cricket, has died at the age of 84.
Stackpole made his Test debut in the 1965–66 Ashes series, initially selected for his leg-spin bowling. He transitioned to a top-order batting role, playing 33 of his 43 Tests as an opener.
Over his Test career, he amassed 2,807 runs at an average of 37.42, including seven centuries. His highest score, a commanding 207, came during the 1970–71 Ashes series.
In addition to his Test achievements, Stackpole participated in the early days of One Day Internationals, playing six matches and scoring three half-centuries. After retiring from international cricket in 1974, he became a prominent cricket commentator, lending his insights to ABC, Nine, and Seven networks.
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Cricket Australia Chair Mike Baird paid tribute, stating, “Keith was one of the great contributors to the game of cricket, and his legacy will live long into the future.”
Stackpole was honored as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1973 and received an MBE in 1974 for his services to cricket.
Former teammate Doug Walters remembered him as “a great team man” and “great to watch,” highlighting his dynamic playing style.
Fellow Victorian Merv Hughes described Stackpole as “a fantastic cricketer but more so a great bloke,” acknowledging his influence as a cricket coach.
Stackpole’s passing marks the loss of a significant figure in Australian cricket history, remembered for his on-field prowess and contributions to the sport’s development.