By Dominique Tassell
In recent times I’ve been reluctant to pick up a paper or listen to a news report in case another of our sporting greats has headed off to those greener fields and pitches beyond.
This week it has been cricket’s turn.
We learned in the past week of the loss of some of the greats and one or two of my all-time favourites.
On the weekend came news that one of Australia’s greatest all-rounders Alan Davidson had passed away aged 92 – a great innings. That came hot on the heels of news only the day before of the death of off spinner, Ashley Mallett. As we digested their passing came news of the death Peter Philpott.
The loss of these cricket heavyweights comes shortly after death of rugby league colossus Norm Provan.
I am sure that most league fans would have been disappointed to hear that the NRL was not represented at Provan’s funeral on the Sunshine Coast.
Of course, border restrictions prevented many attending however given this man’s status in the sport an NRL representative could have been expected.
No surprise that Wayne Bennett made it to the service given his connection to the Dragons and his deep understanding of the importance of the history of the great game of rugby league.
In a nod to the passing of three great contributors to Australian cricket, C A chairman Richard Freudenstein said the deaths of Ashley Mallett, Alan Davidson and Peter Philpott, had been an extraordinarily sad few days for Australian cricket.
Topping off a really ordinary week, we learned Australian great Bert Newton had passed away. He was as familiar as vegemite to generations of Australians of a certain age. Although Newton did not have a sporting bone is his body, who will forget his interview with the great man Mohammed Ali at the Logies. For just a fleeting moment that looked like being a memorable sporting/entertainment industry moment.
Vale these amazing Australians.
Casey
