Former Australian opener Ian Redpath passes away aged 83

December 1, 2024, is a sad day for Australian cricket as one of their former cricketers, Ian Redpath, passed away at 83. The unfortunate news was communicated by Cricket Australia in a media release. The 12-year-long career saw Redpath register 4,737 runs in Tests at an average of 43.45. During his long-format career, he recorded 31 half-centuries and eight tons.

Redpath, who was ultimately promoted to the role of vice-captain, missed out on a Test century on debut by merely three runs in the second Test of the 1963-64 series against South Africa. His maiden ton came against the West Indies in 1969. 

The domestic legend scored a magnificent 261 in just his 10th First Class innings against Queensland. He went on to play a total of 226 games and amassed 14,993 runs. He also went on to grab 211 catches during his FC stint.

Notably, Redpath reversed his retirement to play the World Series Cricket. However, an injury which he incurred deterred his participation. After finally retiring, he coached Victoria and Geelong Cricket Club. For his esteemed services to cricket, Redpath was made a Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1975. 

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Ian was a mainstay of the national team: Baird

Chairperson of Cricket Australia, Mike Baird, spoke highly of Redpath as well as conveyed heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. 

"Ian was a much loved and revered figure and everyone in Australian Cricket will be enormously saddened by his passing. As a fine opening batter, Ian was a mainstay of the national team through one of the great eras of Australian cricket and beloved by many throughout the world for his courage, impeccable sportsmanship and wry humour. We were privileged to hear Ian speak of the wonderful experiences and relationships cricket had provided upon his induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2023 and this deep love of the game was manifest in his enormous contribution to cricket at First-Class and community level. The thoughts of everyone at Cricket Australia are with Ian's family and many friends at this sad time," stated Baird.

Redpath was the 61st member of the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, and was awarded with the prestigious distinction in January 2023.