The year 2023 was a time of sadness for Australian cricket as the country had to bid farewell to some of its greatest cricketers. Let’s take a moment to remember the former Australian Test players who passed away in 2023.
Peter Allan was a right arm fast bowler who made his Sheffield Shield debut for Queensland in the 1959-60 season. He later joined the Australian team to tour the West Indies in the 1964-65 season but was unable to play due to illness. Although he made his Test debut at the age of 29 in the opening Ashes Test at Brisbane in 1965, Allan faced injuries that effectively ended his Test career.
Ken Archer AM, a talented opening batsman, represented Queensland in cricket and baseball. Despite scoring over 800 runs in tour games, he was selected as 12th man in all five Tests during the 1949-50 tour of South Africa. Although he played a few Tests, he lost his place to another player and continued playing for Queensland until the end of the 1956-57 season.
Brian Booth MBE, a natural athlete, represented Australia in both cricket and hockey. He played for the St George club from 1952 to 1977, winning six first-grade premierships and playing 29 Tests for Australia.
Brian Taber, known for his Test batting average and unparalleled wicket-keeping skills, played for the Gordon club and was called into the NSW team in 1964. He went on to play 16 Tests and 129 first-class games, becoming known for his exceptional glovework.
These players all made significant contributions to Australian cricket and will be remembered for their skill and dedication to the sport.