Max Walker death: Nathan Lyon; Andrew Bogut; Russell Crowe lead tributes to former Aussie Test star
FORMER teammates, ex-Test players, current stars, politicians and even movie stars have paid tribute to Max Walker who has died after a long battle with cancer.
FORMER teammates, ex-Test players, current stars, politicians and even movie stars have paid tribute to Max Walker who has died after a long battle with cancer.
Kerry O’Keefe, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Johnson, Dean Jones, Andrew Bogut and Russell Crowe were among the luminaries to express their sympathies on social media.
And Cricket Australia’s chief executive James Sutherland released a statement, saying Walker played an important role in the emergence of a successful Australia side in the 1970s.
“It was a golden era of Test cricket under the captaincy of Ian and Greg Chappell and Max’s medium fast bowling and his unmistakeable bowling action were a feature of those teams,” he said.
“The cricket world will be deeply saddened to hear of Max’s sudden passing.
“As a cricketer, with ball or bat in hand, Max was always fiercely competitive.
“He was a genuine crowd favourite wherever he played - and nowhere more so than at his beloved MCG, where he had also played senior football prior to his Test debut.”
Ian Chappell has also spoken of his sadness following the news.
“I only found out a couple of days ago that he was in bad shape, so very sad news,” he told News Corp.
“Two performances that I will always remember him for; he came into the side for the second Test in Melbourne against Pakistan in 1972-73 and his very next Test, his second Test he got 6 for 15 against Pakistan at the SCG, in the second innings, bowled us to victory.
“He wasn’t the quickest and he probably wasn’t the best looking lad but I reckon he would have been a nightmare to play against.”
Melbourne Demons, for whom Walker played 85 games as a ruckman between 1967-72, tweeted: “We are saddened by the passing of Max Walker. Much loved by all, he shone at the highest level for our club and in test cricket #RIPTangles.”
Former ABC cricket commentator O’Keefe, who played in several Tests with Walker in the 1970s, was devastated by the news.
Max Walker has passed...so sad...melanoma...gentle man ...gentle inswingers...won Tests...won series...decent...respectful...vale T Foot !
â Kerry O'Keeffe (@kokeeffe49) September 27, 2016
There was also reaction from the likes of Damien Fleming and Tom Moody.
Current Aussie Test off-spinner Lyon, who is not part of the current ODI tour of South Africa, tweeted: ‘I’m sad to hear of the passing of baggy green player #263’
Sad to hear of the passing of baggy green player #263 Max Walker! Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends! RIP!
â Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) September 27, 2016
There was also heartfelt tributes from the likes of Aussie NBA superstar Bogut, movie star Crowe and former Aussie fast bowlers Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson.
RIP Max Walker. Sad news
â Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) September 27, 2016
So sad to hear of the passing of Max Walker. What a great cricketer, author and story teller. Ripper bloke whose smile lit up a room! #263 ðª
â Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) September 27, 2016
RIP Max Walker.
â Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 28, 2016
Vale Max Walker. An unmistakeable bowling action, presence and voice. A humble servant of the game he loved.
â Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) September 27, 2016
So sad to hear Max Walker #Tangles has died, a wonderful man who gave so much colour to all our lives. #RIPMax #263
â Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) September 28, 2016
Very sad news about Max Walker.
â Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) September 28, 2016
Part of the baggy green familyð¦ðº
No way! Lucky to meet Max Walker last year at a function. Very good fella. RIP.
â Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) September 28, 2016
shattered to hear passing of the great Max Walker.
â Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) September 28, 2016
Larger then life
Aussie Test cricketer #263@melbournefc AFL footballer
1/2#Tangles pic.twitter.com/6wE2zBxmJ9
RIP Max Walker. Absolute legend in Aussie Sport, ABSOLUTE LEGEND OF A MAN!!! #OneOfTheGreats #Legend #TooYoung #SadDay
â Lauren Jackson (@laurenej15) September 28, 2016
The world is has lost a very very good man in max walker ð¢ #RIPTangles
â Shane Crawford (@SCrawf9) September 28, 2016
So sad to hear the passing of Max Walker, had a funny night at a function with him last year. He was a great guy. #RIPTangles pic.twitter.com/6FEKsnUhDe
â Will Davison (@will_davison) September 28, 2016
Originally published as Max Walker death: Nathan Lyon; Andrew Bogut; Russell Crowe lead tributes to former Aussie Test star