‘A Great Loss’: Ian Chappell Pays Tribute to Former Test Opener Keith Stackpole

Former Australian Test captain Ian Chappell has led the tributes for ex-opener Keith Stackpole, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84.

Stackpole represented Australia in 43 Tests from 1966 to 1974, accumulating 2,807 runs at an average of 37.42, which included seven centuries.

During the 1972 Ashes tour, he served as vice-captain under Chappell, topping the run-scoring chart with 485 runs while opening the batting.

Chappell fondly recalled ‘Stacky’ as the finest vice-captain he ever had.

In a conversation with Wide World of Sports, Chappell noted that Stackpole often recognised issues before he did and would calmly address them before they reached him.

“He was an incredible help to me in ways many don’t see… things that you couldn’t always delegate as a captain, Stacky would just handle them quietly,” Chappell recounted.

“He would never need to ask, but I was always glad to know that if something required doing, Stacky was there to take care of it.”

“I recall playing at Trent Bridge during the third Test against England in 1972. We had two slips … Stacky gently suggested to me, ‘I reckon we need a third slip here.’

“I pondered it, added a third slip, and within a few deliveries, that slip took a catch.”

“Those were the unheralded contributions of the vice-captain that often went unnoticed.”

Chappell shared that the news of Stackpole’s passing, communicated by his son Peter, came as a shock.

Chappell had only spoken with Stackpole earlier that week, revealing his wife Pat had been battling health issues, and Stackpole was in high spirits since her return home.

“She was thrilled to be home and made significant progress,” Chappell said. “When the phone rang and I saw Peter Stackpole’s name, I immediately thought, ‘Oh no, something’s happened to Pat’. That it was Keith was the last thing I expected.”

“Stacky was an incredibly strong individual – not just among us cricketers, but within his family. He will be sorely missed.”

Former Sydney Morning Herald columnist Paul Sheehan once characterised Stackpole as the yin to Chappell’s yang on the field.

“(Sheehan) was likely a touch more educated than I was, so I never pondered the idea of yin and yang,” he added.

“We were slightly different in some respects, yet I believe we were quite similar in many ways.

“Regardless of the label, Stacky was simply an outstanding vice-captain, and that was all that mattered to me.”

Following his cricket career, Stackpole transitioned into media, including a role as a cricket commentator for the ABC. He was also heavily involved with Cricket Victoria and played a mentoring role for several players, including Dean Jones and Brad Hodge.

Chappell spoke of Stackpole’s annual reunion dinners in Melbourne. During the Boxing Day Test, Stackpole would organise a dinner for former teammates, peers, and media associates. Chappell remarked that these dinners became a highlight of the Melbourne Test week.

The news of Stackpole’s passing was shared by veteran cricket journalist Jon Anderson on 3AW Breakfast, who had served as a ghostwriter for Stackpole.

“Rodney Hogg referred to Keith Stackpole as the godfather of Victorian cricket last night,” Anderson shared.

“To his wife Pat, and children Peter, Tony, and Angela, our heartfelt condolences.”

While reminiscing about Stackpole’s aggressive batting style, Chappell recounted a moment from Australia’s fourth Test against the West Indies in Georgetown in 1973.

The Australians were set a target of 135 runs to win on a flat pitch against a Windies attack that, while not yet at its peak, was still formidable.

“Chasing down a modest total can be trickier than expected for a cricket team – it should be straightforward, yet it often isn’t,” remarked Chappell.

“I have always believed it’s crucial to get the target down quickly. Don’t linger.

“Stacky and (Ian Redpath) opened the innings … on the very first ball, Stacky charged at their opener Vanburn Holder and smashed the ball back over his head for four. He did it again immediately.”

Due to bat as first drop, Chappell was donned in his pads in the pavilion. He admitted that watching Stackpole’s audacious play had him trembling in anticipation of what might be a barrage of short deliveries when he eventually took to the crease.

Fortunately, the opening pair pursued the target without losing a wicket.

“When Stacky came in, I teasingly said, ‘You big idiot … why did you go in and smash the opening bowler? What do you think that does for me?.”

“Typical Stacky replied, ‘Oh, you have to assert who’s in command’.”

“That’s Stacky for you. It was an important trait of his batting. He consistently made it clear to the opposition that he was in charge, which greatly assisted the rest of us.”

Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird praised Stackpole as “one of the great contributors to the game of cricket”.

“His legacy will endure far into the future. Not only was he an exceptional player for Australia and Victoria, his contributions in media, radio and TV commentary, along with his mentorship of many players following in his footsteps, showcases his lasting passion and impact on the game,” he remarked.

“It is a testament to his skill and stature that he was one of the five ‘Wisden Cricketers of the Year’ in 1973 and received the MBE in 1974 for his services to cricket.

“He will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his wife Pat, their family, and his many friends.”

“Keith was a giant of the game – an exceptional cricketer, a passionate Victorian, and a proud Australian,” added Cricket Victoria chairman Ross Hepburn.

“His bravery at the crease, coupled with an astute understanding of the game, established him as one of the most revered figures of his era.

“Keith was a true statesman of Victorian cricket. He played the game with immense spirit and remained a dedicated ambassador for cricket long after his playing career concluded.

“His legacy will exist not only in the record books but in the hearts of all who cherish Victorian cricket.”