Former New Zealand leg-spinner passed away at the age of 93
Jack Alabaster, who was part of the national team from 1955 to 1972, took 49 wickets at an average of 38.02.
Wellington: Former New Zealand leg-spinner Jack Alabaster has died at the age of 93 after a short illness.
In a statement issued by the governing body of New Zealand Cricket, it is said that Jack Alabaster’s services to the national team are unforgettable. He was one of New Zealand’s leading architects.
Jack Alabaster’s friend and fellow cricketer Trevor McMahon, 94, paid tribute to Jack Alabaster, saying the gold of memories was buried forever. Trevor McMahon is New Zealand’s oldest living cricketer.
Remember that Jack Alabaster, who was part of the national team from 1955 to 1972, took 49 wickets at an average of 38.02.
Jack Alabaster played for New Zealand for 12 years and in 21 Test matches, he troubled the opposition batsmen with his bowling. He was involved in the first 4 victories of the New Zealand cricket team.
12 years (1956 to 1968) including the first four wins in the format, and is the only player to do so. In total, he took 49 wickets for New Zealand in his Test career at an average of 38.02.
During his career Jack Alabaster toured India and Pakistan in 1955-56, England in 1958, South Africa in 1961-62 and West Indies in 1971-72.
The leg-spinner has taken 500 first-class wickets in 143 matches representing Otago in domestic cricket. After retirement Jack Alabaster served as Principal of Kingsville High School in Invercargill and in 1981 as Rector of Southland Boys’ High School in the same city.