Fans mourn the loss of cricket great and ‘absolute gentleman’ Keith Stackpole

The Australian cricket community is in mourning following the loss of former Test batsman Keith Stackpole who sadly passed away at the age of 84.

The 43-Test veteran, whose hard-hitting was a key factor in the aggressive tone set under Ian Chappell’s captaincy in the late 1960s and early 1970s, passed away on Tuesday, April 22.

Born in Collingwood in 1940, Stackpole made his debut with Victoria in the 1959-60 season. Over a decorated career, he played 137 matches, piled up 22 centuries, and finished with an impressive batting average of 39.22.

Stackpole’s 43 Tests between 1966 and 1974 returned 2807 runs at 37.42, including seven centuries.

He also played six one-day internationals in the format’s early era.

One of Stackpole’s career highlights came in the 1970/71 Ashes series where he smashed a brilliant 207 on a lively Gabba wicket — an innings still remembered as one of the finest of that era.

He backed it up in the 1972 Ashes, finishing as Australia’s leading run-scorer. More than just a batsman, Stackpole was also a capable leg-spinner, claiming 15 wickets at Test level and 148 in first-class cricket.

After hanging up his bat, Stackpole transitioned into the commentary box, where his deep knowledge and love for the game made him a trusted and entertaining voice for fans across the country.

Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird led the tributes, highlighting Stackpole’s “outstanding” career — not just as a cricketer, but as a lasting influence on the game off the field as well.

“Keith was one of the great contributors to the game of cricket and his legacy will live long into the future,” Baird said in a statement.

“Not only was he an outstanding player for Australia and Victoria, his work in the media, radio and TV commentary and as a mentor to many players who followed in his footsteps demonstrated his enduring passion and influence in the game.”

Following Baird’s kind words, the sporting community came together with their own tributes to a “passionate Victorian and a proud Australian who played the game with spirit”.

All of us at Cricket Australia are mourning the passing of former Australian and Victorian cricketer Keith Stackpole, MBE.

Keith was a passionate Victorian and a proud Australian who played the game with spirit, courage and respect. pic.twitter.com/I20gxkTnTN

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) April 23, 2025

Vale Keith Stackpole
Australian and Victorian cricket legend.
Attacking Opening batsman Not allergic to the Hook shot v the Fastest Bowlers.
Vice Captain to Ian Chappell
Victorian coach
Ch9 Commentator 🎙️
Condolences to the Stackpole Family https://t.co/9yPJoeVUy2 pic.twitter.com/iLs3yTW02g

— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) April 23, 2025

Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of the great Keith Stackpole. He was the voice of my childhood on TV and radio, then I was privileged to be one of Stacky’s ‘ghost’ writers for a number of years. Great cricketer; and an absolute gentleman! Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/ruO5O3fMDs

— Glenn McFarlane (@MaccaHeraldSun) April 22, 2025

Vale Keith Stackpole…a terrific teammate…respected everyone within the Test side…respected how they got there…once asked him for a batting tip …he said”never hook to get off the mark”…he spent his whole career hooking to get off the mark 😂😂😂🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏

— Kerry O’Keeffe (@kokeeffe49) April 23, 2025

MCC is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Honorary Life Member, former @CricketAus cricketer and commentator, Keith Stackpole.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/Gyt7N1MOHr

— Marylebone Cricket Club (@MCCOfficial) April 23, 2025

Stackpole is survived by his wife Pat and children Peter, Tony and Angela.

-with AAP.