Australian cricket legend Alan Davidson dies aged 92

The Australian cricket community is mourning the death of Test legend Alan Davidson, who passed away aged 92 on Saturday.

Australian cricket legend and all-rounder Alan Davidson has passed away aged 92. Picture: John Feder/The Australian.

The Australian cricket community is mourning the death of Test legend Alan Davidson, who passed away aged 92 on Saturday morning surrounded by family.

Davidson represented Australia in 44 Test matches between 1953 and 1963, taking 186 wickets at 20.53 – the second lowest average for any Test bowler with at least 150 wickets – and scoring 1328 runs with a top score of 80.

The all-rounder also had a superb first-class career with New South Wales, scoring 2360 runs and claiming 246 wickets in the Sheffield Shield.

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Davidson was the first cricketer to score 100 runs and take 10 wickets in the same Test, a feat he achieved while playing with a broken finger during the famous tied Test against the West Indies in December 1960.

He also worked as a sports administrator and benefactor following his retirement from the game, serving for 33 years as President of Cricket NSW, 20 years as a Trustee of Sydney Cricket Ground and five years as an Australian Test selector.

Davidson is a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the ICC Hall of Fame. He was also made a member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1964 and awarded the Order of Australia (AM) in 1987.

Former Australian Test cricket player Alan Davidson has passed away aged 92. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

Alan Davidson of Australia. Photo by S&G/PA Images via Getty Images)

Cricket Australia Chair Richard Freudenstein said in a statement: “Alan Davidson’s passing is a sad moment for Australian cricket and for cricket across the world.

“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 benefited 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.”

Less than 24 hours earlier, it was announced that former Australian Test spinner Ashley Mallett had died aged 76.

The Courier-Mail’s Robert Craddock tweeted: “Brutal 24 hours for Australian cricket losing Ashley Mallett and Alan Davidson. Wonderful cricketers. Fine men.”

Former Australian captain Lisa Sthalekar posted: “This makes me sad, even though I know Davo had a great innings of 92. Always enjoyed seeing him at various functions. Such an a huge personality in the game, who loved the game and all those involved. You will be missed.”

Sorry to say that the magnificent Alan Davidson has left us at the age of 92.

Played 44 Tests

186 wickets at 20.53
1328 runs at 24.59 pic.twitter.com/li7stkciIE

— Peter Lalor (@plalor) October 30, 2021

Alan Davidson’s test record is as good as any bowler. 186 wickets at 20.53. Richie Benaud rated him the best of his era. One of the nicest men I’ve ever encountered. Cricket has the richest history because of men like him. So sad. #RIP@CecilPHealy#Cricket@CricketNSWBlues

— Mathew Thompson (@MathewJThompson) October 30, 2021

Alan Davidson was one of cricket's greatest ever allrounders. A genuine legend. In the iconic tied Test against West Indies in 1960 he became the first man ever to take 10 wickets and score 100 runs in the same Test. Only Botham, Imran and Shakib have done it in men's Tests since

— Brydon Coverdale (@brydoncoverdale) October 30, 2021

As a tribute to Davidson and Mallett, New South Wales spinner Nathan Lyon wore a black armband during his innings against Victoria at Drummoyne Oval on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the flag atop the SCG’s Members Pavilion is at half-mast on Saturday in tribute to Davidson, who claimed a wicket with his finally delivery in Test cricket at the Sydney venue.

Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon said in a statement: “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.”