Cricket loses popular former all-rounder

10 June, 2014
The Australian Cricketers’ Association mourns the passing of former Australian all-rounder Gary Gilmour at the age of 62.

The left-arm swing bowler and hard-hitting batsman played a starring role in cricket's inaugural World Cup in 1975, destroying England with an incredible 6/14 and 28 not-out (28 balls) in the semi-final. It was just his third ODI.

Gilmour had suffered health complications for several years, which unfortunately escalated in recent weeks.

ACA President Greg Dyer commented:

“Gary Gilmour was an immensely talented cricketer who proved, at his best, what a formidable force he could be,” he said.

“He was part of a fast-changing cricket world and made his mark with some truly outstanding performances. More importantly, he had a huge impact on those he played with and against, and was one of the most loved players in Australian cricket. ‘Gus’ was a person of great humour and there’s no doubt we’ve lost a good man.

“On behalf of the ACA and our members, I offer my sincere condolences to Gary’s wife Helen and family.”

The all-rounder blasted his only Test century (101) in 1977 against New Zealand, hitting an incredible 20 fours and a six in bowler-friendly conditions at Christchurch against a Richard Hadlee-led attack.

In all, Gilmour played 15 Tests for Australia between 1973 and 1977, and after joining World Series Cricket, he was immortalised in the famous C'mon, Aussie C'mon advertising song with the line "And Gilmour's wielding willow like an axe".

© Australian Cricket Players Limited
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
The Australian Cricketers’ Association acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.