Australian cricket is mourning the loss of former Test opener Colin McDonald, who was known for his fearless style and later in life played a key role in the development of the National Tennis Centre in Melbourne.
McDonald, 92, passed away in Melbourne, having played 47 Tests between 1951-52 and 1961, scoring 3107 runs at 39.32, including five centuries.
Colin McDonald in 1961.Credit:Frank Albert Charles Burke
His best series were against England in 1958-59 when he posted 519 runs at 64.87, and against the West Indies in 1960-61 with 337 runs at 33.7, which featured the tied Test.
The Scotch College product was known for his toughness when facing fast bowling, and wore many hits – and bruises – to the body from the likes of Wes Hall, Neil Adcock, Frank “Typhoon” Tyson, Fred Trueman and Brian Statham in an era of unprotected pitches when batsmen wore little protective gear.
