Photo Credit: Cricket NSW
Cricket Australia is mourning the passing of former Australian and NSW captain Brian Booth MBE, at the age of 89.
A graceful middle order batter, Booth played 29 Tests for Australia between 1961 and 1966, including twice as captain. He scored 1773 runs, including five centuries, at an average of 42.21.
A dual sport athlete, Booth represented Australia in hockey at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.
He was rewarded for his consistent performances with NSW with selection in the 1961 Ashes tour where he made his Test debut.
Booth then established himself as a fixture in the Australian middle-order and was elevated to the vice-captaincy under Bob Simpson in 1964. He captained Australia in the first two Tests of the 1965-66 Ashes series in Simpson’s absence due to injury and illness.
Booth represented NSW in the Sheffield Shield on 93 occasions scoring 5574 runs at 43.5 and had lifelong association with the St George DCC where he was a player, president and club patron until his passing.
He was also elected a Life Member of the MCC and in 1982 received an MBE from the Queen. He was inducted into the CNSW Hall of Fame in 2014.
Booth is survived by his wife Judy and four daughters.
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia CEO said:
“Brian was immensely respected and admired throughout the cricketing community and beyond and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Judy and their family and friends.
“Less than 50 players have captained the Australian men’s Test team and Brian’s name is included on a list that features many of the game’s greats.
“He has had an extraordinary life and will be sadly missed. His contribution to cricket continues to be an inspiration and will always be remembered.”
Lee Germon, Cricket NSW CEO said:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Brian Booth and our sincerest condolences go to his wife Judy, his daughters and his friends.
“Brian’s record on the playing field and as a leader are well documented and the fact he was able to captain Australia and NSW in cricket, as well as play hockey for Australia at a home Olympics, shows just how special he was as an athlete.
“But that is just a part of who Brian was and it was his respectful, courteous and friendly manner off the field that will endure in the memories of all that he came into contact with.”
