Keith Stackpole, Former Australian Test Opener, Dies Aged 84
Australian cricket is mourning the loss of former Test opener Keith Stackpole, who has passed away at the age of 84 following a celebrated international career marked by seven centuries and a standout Ashes double hundred.
Stackpole began his Test journey in the 1965/66 Ashes series, initially selected for his leg-spin and batting at number eight — a career path reminiscent of modern-day star Steve Smith. By 1968, he had moved up the order and became a fixture at the top, playing 33 of his 43 Tests as an opener.
Renowned for his aggressive style, Stackpole was a dynamic foil to the more measured Bill Lawry. He scored 2,807 runs at an average of 37.42, including a memorable top score of 207 against England, during a career that spanned until 1974.
“Stacky was a great team man,” recalled teammate Doug Walters. “He was also great to watch. The first ball could go out of the ground. He had a particularly good hook shot. He had shots everywhere. He will be missed.”
In addition to his Test success, Stackpole was part of cricketing history, featuring in the first-ever four One Day Internationals played — all against England between 1971 and 1972 — where he notched up three half-centuries in just six ODIs.
After retiring from international cricket, Stackpole transitioned seamlessly into the media, becoming a well-known voice and face on ABC, Channel Nine and Seven’s cricket broadcasts. His passion for the game extended to coaching and mentorship, where he played a key role in shaping the careers of many young players, including fellow Victorian Merv Hughes.
“Stacky was a fantastic cricketer but more so a great bloke,” Hughes said. “And one hell of a cricket coach — I learnt a hell of a lot from both him and Ian Redpath.”
Cricket Australia paid tribute to Stackpole as “a dynamic and influential figure in Australian cricket.” Chair Mike Baird highlighted his impact both on and off the field: “It is testament to his talent and standing that he was one of the five ‘Wisden Cricketers of the Year’ in 1973 and was awarded the MBE in 1974 for services to cricket.”
