By Dominique Tassell
Reflecting on the legacy of Alan Davidson, Ashley Mallett and Peter Philpott.
Alan Davidson was one of my all-time heroes and I was very fortunate to meet him and Gary Sobers (or that should be Sir Garfield Sobers) a number of years ago at a function during Test week at the Gabba. I don’t get starstruck easily, but in the presence of two of the greatest all-rounders of all time I admit I was left in awe.
Davidson was one of Australia’s most influential and respected figures.
A left-arm fast bowler and lower-order bat, he was regarded as one of cricket’s finest players and a true allrounder.
He debuted for Australia in 1953 against England and went on to play 44 Tests before the end of his international career in 1963.
He is one of only four players in Test history to score more than 100 runs and take 10 or more wickets in a match. A feat made all-the-more memorable as he did it while nursing a broken finger against the West Indies at the Gabba in 1960.
Davidson finished his career with an enviable record, taking 186 wickets and was regarded as the world’s best left-arm quick in his day with best figures of 7-93.
He was an all-rounder in every sense of the word scoring 1,328 runs at an average of 24.59, including five half-centuries and was certainly no bunny in the field.
What Australian would give for an all-rounder of Davidson ilk at the moment.
His cricket involvement did not end when he hung up his boots. He was President of Cricket New South Wales for 33 years; a trustee of the Sydney Cricket Ground for 20 years and served as an Australian selector.
Davidson is remembered as a giant of the game. Not only as one of the finest players to have represented Australia, but for the positive influence he exerted across the game as an administrator, mentor and benefactor.
Ashley Mallet, earned the nickname Rowdy because of his quietly-spoken nature. He was an outstanding bowler playing 38 Tests and nine ODI’s. He also made his Australian debut against the Poms but not until 1968. He sits behind only Nathan Lyon (399 wickets) and Hugh Trumble (141) as Australia’s most successful Test off spinners.
One of Mallett’s most memorable performances with the ball was during Australia’s Tour of India under Bill Lawry’s captaincy. Mallett was instrumental in securing a 3-1 series victory, taking 28 wickets in the series, including a haul of 10 wickets in the fifth and final Test. His average in that test, 19.1
In retirement Mallet scored another legion of fans as a respected writer. Only recently he co-authored Neil Harvey’s biography The Last Invincible.
While cricket tragics digested the passing of these two amazing men came news of the death of another former Test bowler, leg-spinner Peter Philpott. Philpott debuted for Australia in 1964-65. His impact was immediate taking 18 wickets in the West Indies.
Philpott may not have had the profile of others but in retirement he became of one cricket’s most respected coaches. He had successful coaching stints in NSW, South Australia, Yorkshire, Surrey and Sri Lanka.
Philpott was a highly respected teacher and coach, and generously shared his knowledge and wisdom across the cricketing landscape helping to shape the careers of countless cricketers.
Cricket fans are celebrating three former players who had a positive influence on the current game while at the same time mourn their passing.
