Test Star Allan Davidson Dies at the Age of 92
Australia all-rounder Allan Davidson has died at the age of 92. Who played a very prominent role in the tie test of 1960.
In his Test career spanning from 1953 to 1963, Allan Davidson played a total of 44 times and also took 186 wickets at a remarkable average of 20.53. This is the second lowest average for any bowler with more than 150 Test wickets after SF Barnes (16.43). He was also a very useful batsman with five Test fifties and a first-class average of 32.96.
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In the tied Test against West Indies in Brisbane, which he played with a broken finger. He became the first player to score a total of 100 runs and take 11 wickets in a single match. Only Imran Khan, Ian Botham and Shakib Allan Hasan have achieved this feat.
Allan Davidson Missed his Second Innings of 80, One of the Greatest Finishes of the Game so Far
Allan Davidson missed his second innings of 80, one of the greatest finishes of the game so far. “My best batting was in the second innings in a tie Test. But [Richie] Benaud ran me out at the most crucial moment. We only had two overs. We needed seven runs in about seven minutes. I told him, ‘ Just make sure I’m down for Wes Hall.’ Richie played three or four balls in the last over. Then that straight hit Joe Solomon and took off. I wasn’t really 100% back up and I was four to five yards away. The next over Hall hit Richie Was caught behind. It was the most unforgettable game ever.”
Allan Davidson grew up on the New South Wales Central Coast and learned the game on home pitch at the family property before moving to Sydney.
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Overcoming a series of injuries, Allan Davidson was at his best in the late 1950s and early 1960s under the captaincy of his schoolmate, New South Wales teammate and close friend Benaud.
He took Match Figures of 12 for 124 Against India at Kanpur in 1959, Including his Career-Best 7 for 93 in the Second Innings of 57.3 Overs.
He claimed a wicket on his last ball in Test cricket against England in 1963. “When I went to start that last over in Test cricket, it was a trip down memory lane,” he recalled in 2012. “I missed my first Test match. I was in Nottingham and the rest of my career came back, and I was thinking, ‘I hope I can do something in this over.’
“I had lost count of the number of balls I bowled. And turned to the umpire, asked him how many balls were left. ‘That’s it,'” he replied. The last two balls I bowled to Alan Smith. I had her in the place where her feet were doing something. I thought if I could pitch it at this particular spot, he would take it out on the wicketkeeper or slip. As it was, he dismissed Bobby Simpson at first slip. It was like a crescent moon, and then it was a relief that I went out in a way I hadn’t even thought of.”
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Allan Davidson Remains a Major Figure in the Sport
After his playing days, AllanDavidson remained a prominent figure in the game. That included 33 years as chairman of Cricket New South Wales and five years as Australia selector between 1979 and 1984.
Cricket Australia President Richard Freudenstein said: “The passing of Allan Davidson is a sad moment for Australian cricket and cricket around the world.” “Alan was a great figure in our sport, not only as one of the finest players to have represented Australia and NSW, but as an administrator, mentor and philanthropist to have a positive impact throughout the sport.
“The tremendous skill and boundless spirit with which Allen embraced cricket and life included everything that is great about the game. He will continue to be a shining example to every player who follows in his footsteps.
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“On behalf of Cricket Australia, and on behalf of all those who benefited from Allen’s immense contribution to Australian cricket, I extend my deepest condolences to the Davidson family as well as to Allen’s many close friends, colleagues and former teammates. I express my condolences.”
Allan Davidson Was One of the Greatest New South Wales Cricketers of all Time
Cricket NSW Chief Executive Lee German said: “Allan Davidson was one of New South Wales. Greatest cricketers of all time and we are deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
“To everyone in Cricket NSW and everyone who has benefited from Allen’s massive contribution to the sport. I would like to express my condolences to his family and friends. Allen’s involvement in cricket is much more than just his outstanding playing career and his game. The legacy in the state will live on for many years to come.
“He was a wonderful sportsman, administrator, mentor and well-wisher. But above all he was a gentleman of the game.”
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Among the many honors given to Allan Davidson for his contributions to sport and charity. He was a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the ICC Hall of Fame. As well as being made a member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).