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Former Australian Test opener Ian Redpath passed away at the age of 83, Cricket Australia confirmed on December 1. A prominent figure in Australian cricket during the 1960s and 1970s, Redpath was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
Former Australia opener Ian Redpath no more
Hailing from Geelong, Redpath represented Australia in 66 Test matches, scoring 4,737 runs at an average of 43.45. His impressive career included eight centuries and 31 half-centuries, with a highest score of 171. A skilled slip fielder, he took 83 catches throughout his career. Besides Tests, he also featured in five ODIs for Australia and scored 46 runs.
Redpath made his Test debut in 1963 against South Africa at the MCG, contributing a significant 97 runs in a 219-run opening partnership with Bill Lawry. His maiden Test century, a 132-run knock against the West Indies at the SCG in 1969, marked a big milestone in his career.
Ian Redpath's career in detail
Redpath's career trajectory saw him rise through the ranks, eventually being appointed vice-captain. He narrowly missed a century on his Test debut, falling just three runs short in the second Test against South Africa in 1963-64. His maiden Test century came later, against the West Indies in 1969.
After retiring from international cricket, Redpath made a brief comeback to play in the World Series Cricket. Unfortunately, an injury cut short his participation. Following his final retirement, he took on coaching roles, guiding both Victoria and the Geelong Cricket Club. Later, his contributions to cricket were acknowledged in 1975 when he was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire.
Ian Redpath was the 61st inductee into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor was bestowed upon him in January 2023, recognising his big contributions to Australian cricket.
Redpath's First-Class trajectory
In First-Class cricket, Redpath was a prolific scorer for Victoria. He amassed 14,993 runs at an impressive average of 41.99, including 32 centuries and 84 half-centuries in 226 first-class matches. Even after his international career, Redpath remained actively involved in cricket. He served as the Victorian men's coach and contributed to his local community through various voluntary roles with the Geelong Cricket Club.
In recognition of his contributions to cricket, Redpath was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1975. He also briefly emerged from retirement to play in World Series Cricket, but an injury curtailed his participation. After this, he retired from professional cricket for good.
Meanwhile on Ian Redpath's death the chairperson of Cricket Australia Mike Baird said that how big a loss it is for the nation.
"Ian was a much loved and revered figure and everyone in Australian Cricket will be enormously saddened by his passing. As a fine opening batter, Ian was a mainstay of the national team through one of the great eras of Australian cricket and beloved by many throughout the world for his courage, impeccable sportsmanship and wry humour," Chairperson of Cricket Australia Mike Baird said in a statement.
"We were privileged to hear Ian speak of the wonderful experiences and relationships cricket had provided upon his induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2023 and this deep love of the game was manifest in his enormous contribution to cricket at First-Class and community level. The thoughts of everyone at Cricket Australia are with Ian's family and many friends at this sad time," Baird further stated.
