2024-04-10 19:33:53
Former New Zealand leg-spinner Jack Alabaster died at the age of 93 in Cromwell on Tuesday night. Considered the best leg-spinner to come out of New Zealand, Alabaster played 21 Tests between 1955 and 1972. Where he got 49 wickets.
Alabaster was part of New Zealand’s first four Test victories. He toured India and Pakistan in 1955-56, England in 1958, South Africa in 1961-62 and West Indies in 1971-72.
Took 22 wickets in five Tests on South Africa tour. New Zealand drew the series against South Africa for the first time in their career. Alabaster won the first match. Took 7 wickets. He also contributed to New Zealand’s first Test win outside the country. Took 8 wickets for 180 runs which is also his career best bowling.
Alabaster played for Otago in domestic cricket. He took 500 wickets in 143 first-class cricket matches. His only success on the West Indies tour in 1971-72 was the wicket of Sir Gary Sobers. However, he could not finish the tour due to injury. After that he was not seen in New Zealand domestic and international cricket.