The cricket world is in mourning following the passing of Keith Stackpole, the swashbuckling Australian opener of the 1960s-70s, hailed as “the David Warner of his era” for revolutionizing aggressive Test match batting. The Victorian icon, 84, passed away surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy that inspired generations of attacking players.
Why Stackpole Mattered
Record Breaker: First Aussie to score 1,000+ Test runs in a calendar year (1971)
Ashes Hero: His 207 at Manchester (1972) remains one of cricket’s most audacious counterattacks
Fielding Pioneer: Set new standards with acrobatic slips catching (83 catches in 43 Tests)
Industry Tributes
Cricket Victoria Chair Ross Hepburn: “A giant who made bowlers fear the new ball”.
Ian Chappell: “Stacks could dismantle Lillee in nets, then outdrink him after”.
Pat Cummins: “That helmetless hook shot was our YouTube tutorial”.
By The Numbers
▸ 7 Test centuries (5 came in hostile away conditions).
▸ 51.58 average against West Indies’ fearsome pace quartet.
▸ 15 sixes in 1972 Ashes – unheard of in pre-Gilchrist era.
What Made Him Unique
No Helmet: Faced 150kph pace with just a cap (until forced to retire after skull fracture).
Innovator: Invented the “walk-down-the-track” to fast bowlers.
Post-Cricket: Became legendary ABC commentator with signature “That’s four before it left the bat!” calls.
Memorial plans include naming the Junction Oval’s new stand in his honor and a minute’s roar (not silence) at Boxing Day Test – his favorite fixture.
