Former Australia wicketkeeper John Maclean passes away aged 80
Sydney, May 19
Former Australia and Queensland wicketkeeper John Maclean has passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, according to ESPNcricinfo.
While Maclean made his Test debut for Australia against England in 1978 at Brisbane, his first appearance in an ODI match came in 1979, also against England.
Maclean played four Test matches and two ODIs for Australia. He made his first-class debut for Queensland in 1968. He also made his highest first-class score of 156 in his first season in the Sheffield Shield.
He was an important member of the Queensland side that finished runner-up four times in five Sheffield Shield seasons between 1973-74 and 1977-78. He also captained the team in 30 of his 86 Shield matches.
Maclean ended his first-class career with 385 dismissals, comprising 354 catches and 31 stumpings. In the Sheffield Shield, his 314 dismissals--including 290 catches and 24 stumpings--rank fourth for Queensland and 11th overall in the tournament's history.
Current Queensland Cricket chairman Kirsten Pike paid tribute to Maclean's significant contribution to the game in Queensland.
Pike lauded Maclean's "team first" leadership and his "generous" nature, saying that he flew the state's flag high as a player, coach, businessman and then an administrator.
"As a player, he led from the front and the tributes from past teammates and the wider community since his passing have emphasised his 'team first' leadership as well as his generous nature. He played in an era that admired tough, dedicated players who gave their all on the field and then enjoyed the camaraderie that followed the game, building life-long friendships along the way. He flew the flag for Queensland in all he did, as a player and then as a coach, businessman and administrator," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Never heard of him before this article, but his stats are impressive! 314 dismissals in Sheffield Shield is no joke. Those 1970s and 80s Australian keepers were tough as nails. Rest in peace, John. 🙏
It's always bittersweet watching these obituaries. Makes you think about the legends who paved the way. 4 Tests may not be a huge number, but being a wicketkeeper in that era was tough – no fancy gear, just raw skill and courage. His "team first" leadership is something our younger players should learn from. Om Shanti.
A true servant of Queensland cricket. It's a shame he didn't get more Test matches – the 1970s and 80s were stacked with great keepers like Rod Marsh. But his contribution at the state level is incredible. 30 matches as captain shows he was respected. Condolences to his family. 🏏🙏
Rest in peace, Mr. Maclean. It's heartwarming to see how Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket honor their former players. We in India also cherish our cricketing heroes long after they've retired. The way he flew the flag for Queensland is reminiscent of how our state players like Dilip Vengsarkar did for Maharashtra. 🕯️
Sad news. But let's be honest, his Test record (4 matches, not many runs) was modest compared to modern keepers. Still, in an era without T20 or big money, these players gave their all
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