Australia legend Alan Davidson dies at 92

Australian all-rounder Alan Davidson breathed his last at the age of 92 on Saturday (October 30). Davidson represented Australia in 44 Tests between 1953 to 1963, claiming 186 wickets at a brilliant average of 20.53. The left-arm seamer recorded his career-best figures (7/93) in 1959 against India in the Kanpur Test.

A handy batter, he also scored five half-centuries in Test cricket, apart from 36 of those in his first-class career of 193 matches. Davidson scalped 672 wickets in first-class cricket and tallied 6804 runs at 32.86. One of his best performances was in the first-ever tied Test from 1960 against West Indies, when he struck a crucial 80 and also picked 11 wickets in the same game.

After bidding the game goodbye, he served as a successful administrator, serving as the President of Cricket New South Wales for 33 years. He also served as a national selector between 1979 and 1984. Davidson was made a member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1964. He was awarded the prestigious Order of Australia in 1987 and was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2011.

The flag on the Members Pavilion at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Davidson served as a trustee for 20 years, was lowered to half-mast on Saturday.

“Alan Davidson’s passing is a sad moment for Australian cricket and for cricket across the world,” Richard Freudenstein, the Cricket Australia chair, said. “Alan was a colossal figure in our game, not only as one of the finest players to have represented Australia and NSW but for the positive influence he exerted across the game as an administrator, mentor and benefactor.

“The tremendous skill and the boundless spirit with which Alan embraced cricket and life embodied everything that is great about the game. He will remain a shining example for every player who follows in his footsteps.”

“On behalf of Cricket Australia, and all those who benefitted from Alan’s vast contribution across Australian cricket, I offer my deepest condolences to the Davidson family as well Alan’s many close friends, colleagues and former teammates,” he added.

Lee German, the Cricket NSW chief executive, said: “Alan Davidson was one of New South Wales’ greatest ever cricketers and we are extremely saddened to hear of his passing.

“From everyone at Cricket NSW and all of those who benefitted from Alan’s massive contribution to the sport, I’d like to pass on my condolences to his family and friends. Alan’s involvement in cricket was far greater than just his outstanding playing career and his legacy will live on in the state for many years to come. He was a wonderful player, administrator, mentor and benefactor, but most of all he was a gentleman of the game.”