Former Australian seamer Max Walker died

Sep 28, 2016 at 12:09 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Former Australian seamer Max Walker died

Max Walker, the tangle-footed and rubber-armed Australia seamer of the 1970s, has died in Melbourne after succumbing to cancer. He was 68.

Former Australian bowler Max Walker has died in Melbourne after succumbing to cancer. He was 68.

The tangle-footed and rubber-armed Australian seamer was a key member of the successful Australian Test teams led by Ian and Greg Chappell, Walker was also among the breakaway group of players who took part in Kerry Packer’s World Series from 1977 to 1979. Their stance fundamentally altered the shape of international cricket ever since.

Walker played 34 Tests, for Australia, bowling into the wind opposite Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson in the memorable home summers of 1974-75 and 1975-76, when England and the West Indies were.

He also stepped up notably on occasions when the pair were injured or unavailable. Chief among these efforts were early in his career: a Test match against Pakistan in 1973 when he ran through the tourists opposite an ailing Lillee and the West Indies tour later the same year when he led an undermanned bowling attack to one of the team’s best overseas wins.

Walker  was from Hobart, where he lived until recruited to the Melbourne Football Club by the  legendary coach Norm Smith, Walker became an instantly  recognisable figure for his handlebar moustache and toothy grin. Later in life those features helped him become a popular commentator and entertainer, publishing a string of comedic books and hosting Wide World of Sports.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland paid tribute to Walker, said,  “Max was an outstanding cricketer who played an important role in the emergence of successful Australian cricket teams in the 1970s,” he said. “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, and then in the late 1970s when he joined World Series Cricket.

“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.”

Tony Dodemaide, CEO of Cricket Victoria, spoke of Walker’s contribution. “Max was a positive and jovial character and devoted much of his life to playing and serving the game, during what many would call a revolutionary period for cricket,” he said. “At the completion of his playing career, Max charmed many on our TV screens as he built his career in the entertainment industry.

“Max’s contribution to the game was significant and at a time when cricket was undergoing significant changes, playing a critical role in World Series Cricket. A gentleman of his era, Max was able to be part of some moments that will be cherished forever in cricket history and will continue to inspire future generations.”

Channel Nine chief executive  Hugh Marks offered his thoughts about Walker’s time in television. “At Nine and across the game we have lost a genuine hero of Australian cricket with Max Walker’s sad passing,” Marks said. “He was terrific bowler as his Test record shows, but an even better bloke. He will be missed by the whole Nine family.

“Larger than life on and off the field, a huge character with that laconic, laid-back approach to sport and life. Just a big, cuddly colourful bloke whom everyone really liked – his opponents just as much as the rest of us, Max enjoyed that unique sense of humour made only in Australia, which shone like a beacon in his post-retirement commentary roles on Nine, his hilarious books and his famous ‘have a good weekend Mr Walker’ television advertisements.

“Max leaves an indelible signature on Australian cricket and its culture. He will be profoundly missed’.”

Related Article
Watch: Australia Players’ Dramatic Appeal After Being Denied A Run-Out In 2nd T20I Against West Indies
Watch: Australia Players’ Dramatic Appeal After Being Denied A Run-Out In 2nd T20I Against West Indies

Feb 13, 2024, 2:54 PM


David Warner Creates History As He Return To Action For Australia After Test Retirement
David Warner Creates History As He Return To Action For Australia After Test Retirement

Feb 9, 2024, 3:28 PM


No Steve Smith As Aaron Finch Names His Australia Playing XI For T20 World Cup 2024
No Steve Smith As Aaron Finch Names His Australia Playing XI For T20 World Cup 2024

Feb 8, 2024, 11:28 AM


Mitchell Marsh To Play Against West Indies Despite Testing Positive For Covid-19
Mitchell Marsh To Play Against West Indies Despite Testing Positive For Covid-19

Feb 8, 2024, 10:06 AM


AUS vs WI: He Smashed It, What An Idiot, That Is Just Unforgivable – Mark Waugh Lambasts Kjorn Ottley For Gifting His Wicket Away
AUS vs WI: He Smashed It, What An Idiot, That Is Just Unforgivable – Mark Waugh Lambasts Kjorn Ottley For Gifting His Wicket Away

Feb 7, 2024, 12:58 PM


He’s Got A Bright Future: Steve Smith Heaps Praise On Xavier Bartlett
He’s Got A Bright Future: Steve Smith Heaps Praise On Xavier Bartlett

Feb 7, 2024, 10:32 AM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner