Former Australian Test batter and cricket commentator Keith Stackpole has passed away

Tributes are flowing for former Test batter turned long-time commentator Keith Stackpole after he passed away aged 84.

A Victorian legend, Stackpole played 43 Tests between 1966 and 1974 before becoming a well known and respected television and radio commentator.

Stackpole made his Test debut in Adelaide in 1966 and went on to score seven centuries among his 2801 runs with a high score of 207 made against the old enemy, England, in Brisbane in 1970.

He finished his Test career with a pair of ducks against New Zealand in 1974.

He played alongside some of the game’s greatest players including Ian Chappell and Dennis Lillee, was vice-captain of his country for a time was good enough to be named Wisden’s Cricketer of the Year in 1973.

After retiring from cricket in 1974, due to a life-changing back injury Stackpole forged a lengthy career in the media, joining the commentary team for Kerry Packer’s rebel World Series Cricket.

He also commentated on radio and had a newspaper column in Melbourne.

Stackpole was awarded an MBE in 1974 for services to cricket.

He is survived by his wife Pat and children Peter, Tony and Angela.