Aust cricket mourns loss of Bill Watson

Batsman Bill Watson played alongside some legends of Australian cricket, but his Test career lasted only four matches.

Australian cricket is mourning the loss of former Test opener Bill Watson, who passed away at the age of 87.

Watson played four Tests for Australia in 1955, alongside greats Richie Benaud, Neil Harvey, Alan Davidson and Ray Lindwall.

The right-hander scored just 106 runs across seven innings at an average of 17.66 in the Test arena.

But he had more success during his eight-season first-class stint, scoring six centuries at an average of 32, mostly for NSW.

Watson had played just four first-class matches before being called up for his Test debut - a clash with arch-enemy England at the SCG.

He made 18 and three in that drawn match, but was retained for the Test tour of the West Indies.

Watson's highest first-class score was 206 playing for NSW against Western Australia in Perth during December, 1956.

From 1949 to 1972, Watson played 22 seasons in Sydney's first grade.

He started with Waverley before switching to St George, where he spent the majority of his career. Watson played 18 seasons with the St George Saints and became a legendary figure of the club.

In 258 first grade matches, Watson scored 10,757 runs at an average of 43.20, including 16 centuries and 70 half-centuries.

Watson made his maiden first-class century against the touring English team in 1954-55.

"Our thoughts are with Bill's family at this time, and all the friends he made throughout his time in cricket," Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts said.

"He made a valuable contribution to NSW cricket and was regarded as a legend of the St George club. We pay our respects to Bill and we are grateful for his deep involvement in all levels of the game. He will be sadly missed."


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Source: AAP



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