Max Walker dies, aged 68, after 34-Test career with Australian cricket team

SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Legendary Australian Test cricketer Max Walker died Wednesday, after a successful career as an international bowler and commentator of the sport.

Walker became a high-profile author, media personality and public speaker after an eight-year run with the Australian cricket team.

He made his Test debut in 1973 and took 138 wickets in 34 tests with his bizarre medium-pace bowling action earning him the nickname “Tangles.” Speedy players of the age such as Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson spearheaded Australia’s attack, with the ambling Walker a reliable presence at the other end.

However, Walker was no stranger either to removing batsman, as evidenced by his career-best 8 for 143 against England at the MCG in 1975.

Additionally, he played 17 one-day internationals from a period spanning 1974 through 1981. Hs handlebar moustache and knock-about style made him a fan favorite. “He was just a really down-to-earth, humorous guy. He was never lost for words. He was just good fun,” former Test bowler Bob Massie said.

Former Test team-mate Kerry O’Keeffe tweeted: “so sad…melanoma…gentle man …gentle inswingers…won Tests…won series…decent…respectful…vale T Foot!”

A native of Tasmania, Walker played in 135 first-class games, plying his trade in the Sheffield Shield for Victoria and played 85 VFL games with Melbourne, even earning a Brownlow Medal vote in 1968.

“On behalf of everyone at Cricket Australia (CA) our deepest sympathies go out to Max’s family, friends and all those in cricket who had the pleasure of dealing with him,” CA chief executive James Sutherland said.

“He was a great character, with a big smile and positive approach to life. He will be sadly missed.”

After Walker’s retirement from the sport, he began an equally successful career in commentary. In 2011 he was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia “for service to cricket at a national and international level as a player and commentator, and to the community through a range of youth and social welfare organizations.”

Among other philanthropic causes, Walker was a prominent face in the It’s Crunch Time campaign, which aimed to encourage people to get screened for bowel cancer.