While most cricket fans know him as a central figure on Channel Nine’s cricket coverage, Lawry was one of Australia’s finest opening batsmen.
During a 10-year career that began in 1961 Lawry played 67 Tests, scoring 5234 runs at 47.17, with 13 centuries and a highest score of 210.
The tall and angular left hander formed one of Australia’s most famous partnerships with Bob Simpson before taking over the captaincy from his fellow opener. Fittingly Simpson was the presenter at last night’s induction.
While sometimes criticised for his slow scoring, fans saw a different side of Lawry when Nine became cricket broadcaster during the late `70s.
Often excited and sometimes irreverent, Lawry’s catch cry of, “it’s all happening” has become part of the game’s lexicon in Australia. His commentary box stoushes with former England captain the late Tony Greig highlighted Lawry’s standing as a true Australian cricket patriot.
Proud of his humble beginnings as a plumber from Melbourne’s northern suburbs Lawry, 77, has maintained a lifelong affection for his district club Northcote, where he began as an 11-year-old.
The ACA would like to congratulate Bill on this well-deserved accolade.