Former Australian Test wicketkeeper Brian Taber has handed away, aged 83.
Taber represented Australia on 16 events between 1966 and 1970, incomes his Test debut in opposition to South Africa in Johannesburg in a dramatic affair that noticed him maintain seven catches and a stumping.
He additionally performed 129 first-class matches with a century to his identify, however it wasn’t his batting he was recognized for – Taber was generally known as one of many most interesting glovemen the nation has ever produced, and was largely thought-about unfortunate to lose his spot within the Test facet to a younger 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.”
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 was elected to the Cricket NSW Hall of Fame in 2021, and had a reputation as one of the nice guys of Australian 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 mentioned: “Herbie (Taber) cared about cricketers. He was always prepared to help out players.”
A e-book about Taber’s life was printed in 2014, through which former Test captain Brian Booth referred to as him a “wonderful team man”.
“It was a pleasure to play with such a quality person and sportsman,” Booth wrote.
Former batter Alan Turner mentioned 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.”
Source: www.news.com.au
