The Melbourne Cricket Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former Australian batter and MCC senior coach Keith Stackpole, MBE.
At the MCG, he starred in the first-ever One-Day International match held in January 1971, this time for his bowling, taking three for 40 and helping Australia beat England by five wickets.
Melbourne Cricket Club President Fred Oldfield spoke to Stackpole’s influence at the MCG and the MCC.
“As a Victorian, Keith was able to play on the MCG for both his state and country with a highlighted historic performance during the first-ever One-Day International cricket match,” Mr Oldfield said.
“In retirement, his influence extended into the media where his commentary of the great cricketing moments at the ‘G continued to embed the love of cricket to a new generation.
“A great friend of the MCC, Keith regularly spent time in the Members’ Reserve watching cricket or attending various functions. His generosity of spirit, saw Keith freely share riveting stories and insights with those who were lucky enough to be in his presence.”
Following his glittering playing career with Collingwood, Carlton, Victoria and Australia, Stackpole took the coaching reins at the Club’s managed Albert Ground in 1990/91, steering the MCC to the Club Championship in his first season. Alas, both the Men’s First and Second XIs were defeated in their respective grand finals.
Stackpole was again coach in 1991/92, a season in which the First XI won the one-day competition (then known as the Easton Sports Shield) and the MCC finished runners-up in the Club Championship.
“The MCC was a fortunate recipient of Keith’s outstanding cricketing experience and expertise during his time as our coach. On field success followed his appointment but his impact extended into guiding several of our players to State and Australian selection,” said Mr Oldfield.
Stackpole made his Test debut as a leg-spinning all-rounder against England in Adelaide in the fourth Test of the 1965/66 Ashes series. He made 43 and took 2/33.
He scored 368 runs at 46.00 to top Australia’s averages in India on a winning tour in 1969 and made 627 runs at 52.25 against England in Australia in 1970/71. He enjoyed further success against the Rest of the World in 1971/72 (490 at 54.44) and England in England in 1972 (490 at 54.44). He was named one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year in 1973.
Following his playing career, he commentated on radio and had a newspaper column in Melbourne. He was awarded an MBE in 1974 for services to cricket.
“On behalf of our members and staff, we extend our sincere condolences to Keith’s wife Pat, children Peter, Angela and Tony, and their families. He will be missed - vale Keith Stackpole,” Mr Oldfield concluded.