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Brian Booth, the former Australian Test captain and Olympic hockey player, has passed away at the age of 89. The reasons for his death haven’t yet been disclosed by Cricket Australia (CA), who broke the news earlier today. The man, remembered as one of the sport’s true gentlemen, is survived by his wife Judy and four daughters.
From 1961 to 1966, Booth represented Australia in 29 Test matches and took part in the hockey competition in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. During his time as an active sportsman, he made his name through cricket while scoring 1773 runs in the Test format at an average of 42.21.
Booth played Test cricket for the first-time for Australia during the 1961 Ashes tour of England. He had to wait for 16 months to make his home Test debut, owing to no Test cricket happening in Australia in the 1961-62 season.
The very next season, Booth played for Australia at home in Brisbane against England in the Ashes series, where he scored 112 and 19 not out. He backed it up with yet another hundred in Melbourne. During the 1965-66 Ashes series at home, he got the opportunity to lead Australia for a couple of test matches with captain Bob Simpson out.
In 1982, Booth received an MBE from the Queen. He also got elected as the Life Member of the Melbourne Cricket Club in the meantime too.
Nick Hockley, the CEO of Cricket Australia, was quoted as saying about Brian Booth’s passing, “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,’’ added Hockley.