Lindwall, Raymond Russell

▪ 1997

      Australian cricketer (b. Oct. 3, 1921, Mascot, N.S.W., Australia—d. June 23, 1996, Brisbane, Australia), was one of the most admired fast bowlers of the post-World War II era; between 1946 and 1962 he took 794 first-class wickets (average 21.36), including 228 in 61 Test matches (average 23.03). An effective batsman, he also made 5,042 runs, including 1,502 in Tests (average 21.15), and five centuries, two in Tests. Lindwall showed great athletic ability as a boy and played for the St. George Cricket Club in Sydney at age 16. While fulfilling his wartime service with the Australian army in the South Pacific, he perfected his bowling technique on the beach in his free time. Lindwall joined the Australian Services postwar tour of England in 1945 and returned home with an arsenal of balls employing speed, pace, and versatility. He was selected for the 1946-47 Test series against England, in which he batted his first century at Melbourne and took 7 for 63 at Sydney. He played professionally for New South Wales until 1955, when he transferred to Queensland. He retired as a player in 1962 and was made MBE in 1965.

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