Former Australia fast bowler Ian Meckiff's career was shortened when umpires perceived him to possess an inappropriate bowling action. Though he was left cold in 1963, he was a "simple, generous and honest" man who never complained, says Peter White in the Sydney Morning Herald. White recounts that despite the ongoing problems in his career, he had honoured a commitment, to play backyard cricket with White and a few other kids back then.

A perfect afternoon- and our guest was probably not even coming. We knew the reason, but we were immensely disappointed - for him and for ourselves. Then suddenly this tall, slightly gangly man with a gentle face, sparkling smile and sharp eyes strolled unaccompanied down the sideway.

After all that he had gone through in the previous two weeks, Meckiff had kept his promise.