RIP Ian Redpath

Remove this Banner Ad

Log in to remove this ad.

Well before my time but grew up knowing him as one of Australia's greats of the 60s and 70s through many a cricket book. Holds the record for most first class games played at the MCG which is a fantastic legacy to leave.
 
Vale Redders, I was fortunate enough to meet him 3 times. Twice at VCA coaching seminars and once down at Kardinia Park, when I played my only game down there. I'd seen him plenty of times on TV and watched his Test debut when he scored 97 (I was almost 12). He was so skinny and looked to be all Adams apple, but he was tough. He never played the hook shot and always swayed or ducked out of the way. There were plenty of quicks who would test him with short balls, but after expending lots of energy they usually gave up and focused on bowling at the stumps, which suited his game just fine. Every time I met him he was just the same, modest, straight to the point and extremely helpful. He placed a lot of value on his wicket and is just the sort of opener Australia needs at the moment. So goodbye to a terrific cricketer, but also to a wonderful person.
 
Last edited:
Ian Redpath was my first "favourite" cricketer, having been privileged to see him score 171 against the To and Froms and share a 219-run partnership with Greg Chappell (108) on the latter's Test debut, in Perth's inaugural Test in 1970.
Having read an entertaining recent interview with him on the Footy Almanac website, I was hoping Redders would be with us for a while yet, but, sadly, it wasn't to be.
My condolences to Ian's family, friends and former teammates.
 
RIP to a man before my time but who was undoubtedly a wonderful servant to the game and a worthy opponent.

Only just saw he'd died via Wikipedia then headed here to make a self-indulgent post about it on another thread.
 
only young enough to remember him in WSC but not prior unfortunately.

gotta be good to play 60+ tests and average 40+.

even gets a mention in the c'mon aussie c'mon tune - 'redpath it's good to see you back' (coming out of retirement to play WSC).

vice captain for 23 tests under both chappells and a hall of famer.

RIP redders.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

  • Thread starter
  • Moderator
  • #18
Gough said:
His captain pays tribute.
www.espncricinfo.com

Ian Redpath, the soft-spoken fierce competitor

The Australian opener of the 1960s and '70s was a tenacious batter who could also hammer the bowling when required
www.espncricinfo.com www.espncricinfo.com
Click to expand...
A great story,I watched Redpath play a lot for Victoria and Australia at the MCG.Was a great opener,just the type player the Australians need right now to open.
 
Gough said:
Bit before my time but his Test average being higher than Mark Waugh is still of of my favourite stats.
www.cricketetal.com

Ian Redpath 1941-2024

GH on a local hero
www.cricketetal.com www.cricketetal.com
Click to expand...
Very sad news.
Redpath was my fathers favorite cricketer for his truly unselfish attitude.
My Dad (93) was extremely sad to hear the news.

A great Aussie sportsman.
 
FitzroyPete said:
Ian Redpath was my first "favourite" cricketer, having been privileged to see him score 171 against the To and Froms and share a 219-run partnership with Greg Chappell (108) on the latter's Test debut, in Perth's inaugural Test in 1970.
Having read an entertaining recent interview with him on the Footy Almanac website, I was hoping Redders would be with us for a while yet, but, sadly, it wasn't to be.
My condolences to Ian's family, friends and former teammates.
Click to expand...
Keith Stackpole was my first "favourite" cricketer, from the same era as Ian Redpath.

Many people know of GS Chappell's famous century on Test debut, not quite so many remember the bloke up the other end who helped him salvage the innings from 5-100 odd (Redpath).

He was the epitome of reliability and solidity as a batsman, he was one of those players you would have bat for your life if it came to that. And he'd bat wherever the side needed him, for the first part of his Test career he was batted at various positions in the top order, eventually he settled in as a regular opener.

I don't remember him as having particular flair or dash, nor an expansive array of shots, but he was very difficult to dislodge. Unlike other players in the side at the time (eg Stackpole, Walters, I Chappell) he was a "swayer" and "ducker" rather than taking on the short balls from fast bowlers, which was quite often quite awkward looking - but effective.

Ironically, despite all that, I'm sure he is up there in the list of most runs taken off a bowler's over in a first-class match, he walloped a poor South African bowler for 30+ runs in an over on a tour match against a provincial side on the ill-fated 1970 tour. He's the last player you'd expect to achieve something like that.

I still reckon if they had taken him (and/or Lawry) and McKenzie to England in 72 we would have regained the Ashes. But he'd had an average 71-72 season, plus the selectors were hell bent on introducing new faces to the side after turfing Lawry in 70-71.

I'm glad his contribution to the Australian side of the 60s/70s is being acknowledged, other players (especially in the 70s) tend to get far more focus, while Ian's achievements sat quietly in the background.

RIP.
 
Last edited:
I believe it was Greg Chappell who said something like:

Many players would die to play for Australia. Redpath and Rod Marsh are the only ones who would kill to do it.

Always stuck with me.

He of course, had a long partnership with Chappell on Chappell's debut. Also scored a century in his last test. I believe his last test was also the only occasion he hit a six in test cricket.

A great representative of Victorian and Australian cricket. He is one from before my time who I would have loved to meet. One of my father’s favourites.
 
Last edited:
Gough said:
His captain pays tribute.
www.espncricinfo.com

Ian Redpath, the soft-spoken fierce competitor

The Australian opener of the 1960s and '70s was a tenacious batter who could also hammer the bowling when required
www.espncricinfo.com www.espncricinfo.com
Click to expand...
From what we know about Chappell and about Redpath, I'd suggest Redpath was a very agreeable character and unconditionally loyal to his leaders.
 

Remove this Banner Ad

RIP Ian Redpath

Remove this Banner Ad

Back
Top