Jack Alabaster, former New Zealand leg-spinner, dies at the age of 93

Former New Zealand leg-spinner Jack Alabaster passed away at the age of 93 in Cromwell on Tuesday night. Alabaster played 21 Tests from 1955-1972 and was the only player to be a part of New Zealand’s first four Test wins. He took 49 wickets at an average of 38.02 during his Test career.

New Zealand Cricket expressed their condolences, stating, “NZC is deeply saddened to mark the death of leg-spinner Jack Alabaster, who died in Cromwell last night aged 93. A champion of Southland and @OtagoCricket, Jack played 21 Tests from 1955-1972 (including the first four wins NZ achieved), taking 49 wickets at 38.02.”

Alabaster toured India and Pakistan in 1955-56, England in 1958, South Africa in 1961-62, and ended his international career with the West Indies trip in 1971-72. He also claimed 500 first-class wickets from 143 matches while representing Otago in domestic cricket.

After retiring from cricket, Alabaster served as the principal of Kingswell High School in Invercargill and worked as the Rector of Southland Boys High School in 1981. He is survived by his younger brother Gren Alabaster, a former New Zealand selector and manager who played 96 first-class matches for Otago.

With the passing of Alabaster, Trevor McMahon, who is currently 94 years old, becomes New Zealand’s oldest living Test player. Alabaster’s legacy as a pioneering cricketer and educator will be remembered in the cricketing community and beyond.