New Zealand’s former leg spinner Jack Alabaster, considered one of the best to have played for the country, passed away on Tuesday night in Cromwell at the age of 93.
Alabaster, who represented Otago in domestic cricket, played 21 Tests for New Zealand between 1955 and 1972, claiming 49 wickets. He was part of New Zealand’s first four Test wins and featured in tours to India, Pakistan, England, South Africa, and the West Indies.
The highlight of Alabaster’s career was the 1961-62 tour of South Africa, where he took 22 wickets in five Tests, helping New Zealand secure their first-ever series draw against the Proteas. His career-best match figures of 8/180 came in New Zealand’s first Test win abroad during the third Test of that series.
Alabaster played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s narrow 30-run loss in the first Test, claiming seven wickets. His final international appearance came during the 1971-72 tour of the West Indies, where an Achilles tendon injury cut short his stint after the first two Tests.
In his illustrious career, Alabaster played 143 first-class games, claiming 500 wickets. Notably, his first and last first-class matches were both for New Zealand, a testament to his longevity and dedication to the game.
