Ex-Australian cricketer Lindsay Kline dies

Former Australian Test player Lindsay Kline has died at the age of 81.

Best remembered for facing the last ball of the first tied Test, the left-arm spinner played 13 Tests from 1957-61.

In the Brisbane Test of the 1960-61 series against the West Indies, Australia needed just one run to win when Kline fended off a delivery to square leg and his batting partner Ian Meckiff scrambled for the single.

But West Indian Joe Solomon fielded the ball and rocketed it to the stumps, running out Meckiff and ensuring the historic tie.

Kline also denied the Windies for 100 minutes as Australia held on for a draw in Adelaide in the same series.

"Throughout his cricket career, he was involved in some extraordinary moments that have become part of the rich history of our great game," Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland said in a statement.

"It has been a very sad year for Australian cricket with the passing of a number of treasured members of our community including Richie Benaud, Arthur Morris and now Lindsay Kline."

Kline played 88 first-class matches, taking 276 wickets at an average of 27.39.

Cricket Victoria also paid tribute to its former state player.

He is one of only seven Victorians to have taken a Test hat-trick in his time, joining Peter Siddle, Shane Warne, Damien Fleming, Hugh Trumble, Jimmy Matthews and Merv Hughes.

He took a hat-trick in his second Test, in Cape Town in 1957-58.

Cricket Victoria chief executive Tony Dodemaide passed on his deepest sympathies to the Kline family and friends.

"Lindsay was a fantastic man who will be sorely missed. His contribution to cricket, not only at a national level but also within the state, will be something he will be forever remembered.

"An absolute gentlemen of his era, Lindsay was able to be part of some moments that will be cherished forever in cricket history," Dodemaide said.

Kline was the 207th Australian to wear the Baggy Green.