The cricket world is mourning the death of former Australian fast bowler and commentator Max Walker, who has passed away after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 68.
Nicknamed ‘Tangles’ for his all-over-the-shop bowling action, Walker played 34 Tests in the baggy green between 1972 and ’77. While he never reached the heights of his teammates Denis Lillee and Jeff Thomson, Walker was a perfect fast bowling foil for his high-profile tearaways, picking up 138 wickets at an average of 27.47.
The Tasmanian also played 17 ODIs for Australia, as well as 135 games for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield. He finished his first-class career with 499 wickets, claiming them at an average of 26.47. Adding to an impressive sporting career were 85 appearances for Melbourne in the VFL
Walker was one of many leading Australian cricketers to join World Series Cricket in 1977, and retired from the sport once Packer and the cricket authorities had settled their differences two years later. But that didn’t mark the end of his involvement in the game.
Walker went on to be a respected and colourful commentator for Channel Seven, ABC Radio and Channel Nine and was also known well for his stint as the host of Nine’s Wide World of Sports program.
He was also awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2011 for his services to cricket, both as a player and broadcaster, and to the community. Walker did charitable work for a number of organisations, such as Disaster Aid Australia and Rotary Overseas Medical Aid for Children, and was a notable member of the ‘It’s Crunch Time’ movement, a program which aimed to raise awareness about bowel cancer and have people get themselves screened for the deadly disease.
Adding to Walker’s incredible and varied resume was a successful writing career; he penned the national best-seller ‘How To Hypnotise Chooks And Other Great Yarns’, along with a number of other titles.
Walker also wrote an autobiography, which he finished with the words, “One thing is certain. Cricket has given me a great deal of pleasure and a host of happy memories. Who could ask for anything more?”
Max Walker has passed…so sad…melanoma…gentle man …gentle inswingers…won Tests…won series…decent…respectful…vale T Foot !
— Kerry O'Keeffe (@kokeeffe49) September 27, 2016
Vale Max Walker. An unmistakeable bowling action, presence and voice. A humble servant of the game he loved.
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) September 27, 2016
Sad to hear of the passing of baggy green player #263 Max Walker! Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends! RIP!
— Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) September 27, 2016
Saddened to hear of the passing of Max Walker. A larger than life character … Test cricketer, VFL footballer, raconteur. RIP Tangles.
— Glenn Mitchell (@MitchellGlenn) September 28, 2016
Very sad news about Max Walker.
Part of the baggy green family??— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) September 28, 2016
RIP Max Walker. I had the pleasure of meeting him several times & he was genuinely humble but absolutely hilarious & a great story teller!
— Todd Greenberg (@Todd_Greenberg) September 28, 2016
We are saddened by the passing of Max Walker. Much loved by all, he shone at the highest level for our club and in test cricket #RIPTangles
— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) September 28, 2016