Australia has lost its second cricketing great in as many days, with the news that Alan Davidson has passed away, aged 92.
Davidson, for whom the NSW statewide boys high school cricket competition is named after, played 44 Tests for Australia and is regarded as one of the best left-arm bowlers of all time.
A storied career saw him take 186 test wickets at a very tidy average of 20.53, while averaging 24.59 with the bat.
Davidson played in the famous Tied Test in 1960, where he recorded his highest batting score at that level, and put on an Australian record seventh-wicket partnership with skipper Richie Benaud.
He was named as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1962, received an MBE in 1964 and became and a Member of the Order of Australia in 1987.
He’s also in the Sport Australia, Australian cricket and ICC Halls of Fame.
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“Alan Davidson’s passing is a sad moment for Australian cricket and for cricket across the world,” CA chair Richard Freudenstein 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.”
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Davidson scored nine first class centuries at an average of 32.86, while taking nearly 700 wickets.
He made his debut for New South Wales in 1949, and during his career the state experienced 11 Sheffield Shield winning seasons, including nine in a row from 1953-54 to 1961-62.
“Alan Davidson was one of New South Wales’ greatest ever cricketers and we are extremely saddened to hear of his passing,” Cricket NSW CEO Leo Germon said.
“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.”
The sad news about Davidson comes less than a day after Ashley Mallett, one of Australia’s greatest spin bowlers, died at the age of 76.
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