Former Australian Test keeper Brian Taber dies aged 83

Australian cricket is in mourning after the passing of a much-loved former Test wicketkeeper at the age of 83.

Former Australian Test wicketkeeper Brian Taber has passed away, aged 83.

Taber represented Australia on 16 occasions between 1966 and 1970, earning his Test debut against South Africa in Johannesburg in a dramatic affair that saw him hold seven catches and a stumping.

He also played 129 first-class matches with a century to his name, but it wasn’t his batting he was known for – Taber was known as one of the finest glovemen the nation has ever produced, and was largely considered unlucky to lose his spot in the Test side to a young Rod Marsh.

Former Victorian wicketkeeper Darren Berry shared the news on social media, tweeting a tribute to his late fellow gloveman.

“As I get into bed with the change of innings, I hear the news of the passing of one of the great men I’ve ever met in Australian cricket Brian Taber,” Berry wrote.

“A wonderful player himself but the influence and guidance he gave so many of us youngsters is immeasurable.

“Thanks Tabsy.”

Taber (right) was Rod Marsh’s (left) Test predecessor. (Photo by Dennis Oulds and Leonard Burt/Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Broadcaster Andrew Menczel wrote of Taber’s “heart of gold”.

“RIP Brian Taber - I had the pleasure of coaching with him for many years and he had a heart of gold,“ Menczel wrote.

Veteran Australian caller Jim Maxwell also paid tribute to Taber on the BBC’s coverage of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

Born in Wagga Wagga and raised in Wollongong, where he attended Wollongong High, Taber played for Gordon in Sydney grade cricket.

Debuting as the second-youngest First Grade player in the history of the club, he played for 20 years, eventually captaining New South Wales and being invited to join the then-Australian Cricket Board as the National Coaching Director.

Taber also served as a selector for New South Wales for 24 years periodically until 2010-11, as well as several years as Chairman.

He often managed the Australian Under 19 men’s team, and the winner of the player of the tournament award at the under-19 national championships is awarded the Brian Taber Medal.

He was elected to the Cricket NSW Hall of Fame in 2021, and had a reputation as one of the nice guys of Australian cricket.

Taber was known as one of the best wicketkeepers in the history of Australian Test cricket.

Former New South Wales cricketer Marshall Rosen described him as a man with no enemies in his nomination speech for the Hall of Fame.

“He is one of the nice guys of Australian cricket, with a very gentle nature and no enemies.”

Former Test batter Doug Walters said: “Herbie (Taber) cared about cricketers. He was always prepared to help out players.”

A book about Taber’s life was published in 2014, in which former Test captain Brian Booth called him a “wonderful team man”.

“It was a pleasure to play with such a quality person and sportsman,” Booth wrote.

Former batter Alan Turner said Booth was “a steady influence on players, an astute leader and knew cricket inside out. As a coach his abilities were, without question, the best going around.”

Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon called Taber one of the most popular players ever.

“We are devastated by the passing of Brian Taber and send our condolences to his family and friends,” Germon said.

“His contribution to Australian cricket was immense, as a player, coach, manager and selector.

“Tabsy was universally loved for both his skill as a wicketkeeper and his character as a person.

“He was such a nice, genuine guy and he will be greatly missed by all.”