Tributes are flowing for a lot cherished former Australian Test captain and Olympian Brian Booth MBE, who handed away aged 89.
A sleek center order batter, Booth performed 29 Tests for Australia between 1961 and 1966, together with twice as captain. He scored 1773 runs, together with 5 centuries, at a mean of 42.21.
A twin sport athlete, Booth represented Australia in hockey on the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.
He was rewarded for his constant performances with NSW with choice within the 1961 Ashes tour the place he made his Test debut.
Booth then established himself as a fixture within the Australian middle-order and was elevated to the vice-captaincy underneath Bob Simpson in 1964.
He captained Australia within the first two Tests of the 1965-66 Ashes collection in Simpson’s absence as a consequence of damage and sickness.
Booth represented NSW within the Sheffield Shield on 93 events scoring 5574 runs at 43.5 and had lifelong affiliation with the St George DCC the place he was a participant, president and membership patron till his passing.
He was additionally elected a Life Member of the MCC and in 1982 obtained an MBE from the Queen. He was inducted into the CNSW Hall of Fame in 2014.
Booth is survived by his spouse Judy and 4 daughters.
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia CEO stated he was immensely revered.
“Brian was immensely respected and admired throughout the cricketing community and beyond and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Judy and their family and friends,” Hockley stated.
“Less than 50 players have captained the Australian men’s Test team and Brian’s name is included on a list that features many of the game’s greats.
“He has had an extraordinary life and will be sadly missed. His contribution to cricket continues to be an inspiration and will always be remembered.”
Lee Germon, Cricket NSW CEO stated:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Brian Booth and our sincerest condolences go to his wife Judy, his daughters and his friends.
“Brian’s record on the playing field and as a leader are well documented and the fact he was able to captain Australia and NSW in cricket, as well as play hockey for Australia at a home Olympics, shows just how special he was as an athlete.
“But that is just a part of who Brian was and it was his respectful, courteous and friendly manner off the field that will endure in the memories of all that he came into contact with.”
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
