Australian cricket great Ian Redpath remembered as courageous cricketer who loved a contest

Australian cricket great Ian Redpath has died aged 83 following a battle with illness.

Cricket Australia confirmed the sad news on Sunday.

The Victorian star and Australian Cricket Hall of Fame member represented Australia in 66 Test matches between 1965 and 1976 and was awarded an MBE for his services to the game.

Redpath opened the batting during his international career, striking 4737 runs at 43.45 to go with just under 15,000 first-class runs.

However, the right-hander from Geelong College, who made 97 on debut, was perhaps best known for his quirky achievements.

Redpath didn’t hit his first Test match six until his final outing where he hit two at Adelaide Oval against West Indies.

He also holds the record for most runs from a single Australian first-class over, shaking down medium-pacer Neil Rosendorff for 32 - 6, 6, 6, 6, 4, 4.

Even more bizarre, Redpath is the only Australian to have both carried his bat through a completed Test innings and been no-balled for throwing.

He went on to coach his state before later in life settling into his duties as an antiques shop owner who took to painting water colours.

Redpath was remembered as an avid competitor who loved the contest and was once labelled a “nuisance batsman” by firey English quick John Snow after an innings helping protect fellow champion Greg Chappell who was on debut.

Redpath was remembered on Channel 7’s coverage of the WBBL final from the Victorian’s beloved MCG on Sunday.

“We just bring our viewers up to date with some sad news in the cricket world,” Alister Nicholson said.

“Loved this venue, made 11 first-class centuries here at the MCG, played more first-class games than anyone here.

“He was an icon of the game in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Condolences to the Redpath family. He will be missed, his contribution never forgotten.”