Geelong is mourning the death of cricketing legend Ian Redpath.
Australia’s 227th test cricketer, Redpath died yesterday.
Born and raised in Geelong, Redpath debuted for Victoria in the 1961/62 season, remaining a regular in the Victorian side through until the 1975/76 season.
He would debut for the Australian side in the New Years test in 1964 against South Africa, playing 66 tests and scoring 4,737 runs for his country.
Redpath would serve as vice captain for his country, as well as playing in Australia’s first one day international.
Redpath would retire from cricket at the end of the 75/75 season, but would stay out of the game for just one season before joining Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket, playing a key role in changing player treatment in the sport.
(Image – Mojo Singers on Youtube)
Redpath was mentioned in the original “C’mon Aussie C’mon” lyrics as a promotion for World Series Cricket.
Following his retirement, Redpath would remain involved in the game as a coach of the Victorian state side.
He would then return to cricket in his home town as the innagural coach of the Geelong Cricket Club in Victorian Premier Cricket.
(Image – AJohnston/Geelong Broadcasters)
Last month Geelong Cricket Club honoured Redpath by naming the club’s scoreboard for him.
Cricket Club Vice President Michael King praised his commitment to the sport locally.
“Ian was always very strong from day one that continues today that you nurture local talent,” he said.
“You don’t bring in paid, professional players towards their mid to late careers.
“You nurture then from a youngster up, and you create a strong culture around that.”
Away from the game, Redpath was famous for his antiques store in town, a prominant part of the Geelong business world.
Cricket Victoria Chair Ross Hepburn paid his respects on Sunday.
“Ian’s talent on the field and leadership saw him contribute to one of the great eras of Australian cricket and he leaves behind a remarkable legacy to the game at national, state and local level,” he said.
“’Redders,’ as we affectionately knew him, was a gifted storyteller with a wonderfully wry sense of humour. His friendship and presence will be missed by many in our cricket community.”
