Australian Test cricket great Ian Redpath dead at 83

Ian Redpath, a batting great and former vice-captain in a hugely successful era of Australian cricket, has sadly passed away.

Cricketing great and Hall of Fame member Ian Redpath has died at the age of 83.

Redpath played 66 Test matches and hit eight tons from 1964 to 1976, with a top score of 171.

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A highly respected member of the Australian side, he became vice-captain to Ian Chappell for the home Test series against England in 1974-75.

He was also a huge contributor to Victorian cricket in a number of roles, including as a player and men’s coach.

In 1975, Redpath was made a Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to cricket.

Watch Ian Redpath being honoured last month in the video player above

Ian Redpath in his playing days and at the MCG last year. Photos: Getty Images/News Corp

Mike Baird, chairman of Cricket Australia, led the tributes to the cherished cricketer.

“Ian was a much loved and revered figure and everyone in Australian Cricket will be enormously saddened by his passing,” he said in a statement.

“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.

“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.”

Redpath in his cricket and (far right) footy days. Photos: News Corp

Respected for his courage and patience at the crease, Redpath scored 4737 runs in his Test career at an average of 43.45.

He also took 83 catches, mostly as a slips fielder.

Making his debut for Victoria in 1962, he produced his highest first-class score of 226 in just his 10th game, to indicate early his level of talent with the willow.

From Geelong, Redpath would end with just shy of 15,000 career first-class runs, with 32 tons and 84 half-centuries.

On Test debut at the MCG in the second match of the 1963-64 series against South Africa, he made 97 in an opening stand of 219 with fellow Victorian Bill Lawry.

It took until 1969 for his first Test ton to arrive, making 132 against the West Indies at the SCG.

The 1964 Australian Test cricket team, with Redpath in the middle row, second from the right. (Photo by unidentified staff photographer)

There was a widespread reaction to the news on social media.

Fellow Victorian great Damien Fleming wrote on X: “Rest In Peace Redders. What a great cricketer but even better person.

“Inspired/mentored so many of us at South Melbourne and Geelong cricket clubs. So admired by all you played/coached with for Victoria and Australia.

“And once again sorry I let you down partnering with you on the golf course.

“Condolences to the Redpath family.”

Journalist Robert Smith tweeted: “Ian Redpath was the last Australian to represent his country without being paid: he forsook player payments up to and including his Test debut rather than jeopardise his status as an amateur footballer.

“Redders was a mighty fine, courageous and reliable Test batsman.”

Sports writer Luke Reynolds added: “Vale Ian Redpath, one of the great Victorian cricket people.”

Redpath with current Australian coach Andrew McDonald in Geelong. Picture: Jane Fitzgerald

Retiring from the Australian side in 1975, Redpath briefly joined World Series Cricket where injuries restricted his contributions.

He continued contributing to cricket long after his retirement, particularly to the Geelong Cricket Club, and was fondly remembered by current Cricket Victoria chaiman Ross Hepburn.

“This is enormously sad news as we farewell one of the greats of our game and a very proud Victorian in Ian Redpath,” he said.

“On behalf of Cricket Victoria, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Ian’s family, particularly to his four children and many friends and teammates from across a generation of cricket,

“Ian’s talent on the field and leadership saw him contribute to one of the great eras of Australian cricket and he leaves behind a remarkable legacy to the game at national, state and local level.

Redpath getting inducted to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame on January 30, 2023. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

“’Redders’, as we affectionately knew him, was a gifted storyteller with a wonderfully wry sense of humour.

“His friendship and presence will be missed by many in our cricket community.

“Despite being out of the game for some years, his involvement continued to be far-reaching off the field.

“In March this year he led some spirited cheering for Casey South Melbourne in the Premier Cricket Final versus Carlton at Windy Hill.

“Earlier this month, his beloved Geelong Cricket Club unveiled their new scoreboard, bearing his name.”