Australia legend Ian Redpath dies at the age of 83

Former Australia opener Ian Redpath died at the age of 83 on Sunday, December 1. A right-handed batter, Redpath played 66 Tests and five ODIs for Australia in a career spanning from 1964 to 1976.

The Victorian-born batter scored a brilliant 97 off 254 deliveries on Test debut against South Africa in Melbourne. Yet, Redpath had to wait five long years before recording his first Test century, which came against the West Indies in 1969.

His career took off to greater heights after the maiden ton as the right-hander finished with 4,737 runs at an average of 43.45, including eight centuries and 31 half-centuries in his illustrious Test career.

Redpath did not achieve much success in the 50-over format, averaging only 9.20 in five ODIs played between 1971 and 1975. Beyond the numbers, Redpath's legacy stemmed from his incredible technique and being the vice-captain to Greg and Ian Chappell during the 1970s.

Redpath finished his remarkable career on an all-time high, scoring two centuries and as many half-centuries in his final four innings during Australia's 1976 home Test series against the West Indies.

Cricket Australia pays tribute to Ian Redpath

Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird paid tribute to Ian Redpath after his passing on December 1.

He said in a statement:

"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 humor."

"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," he added.

Redpath was inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame in January 2023. The right-hander also enjoyed an illustrious first-class career, scoring almost 14,993 runs with 32 centuries in 226 matches.