Donald Dearness Blackie, who died in Melbourne on April 21, aged 73, played for Australia against the England team led by A. P. F. Chapman in Australia in 1928-29 when 46, being the oldest player to represent his country. He headed the Test averages with fourteen wickets in three Test appearances at a cost of 31.71 runs each, six for 94 in the first innings of the third game at Melbourne being his best analysis. An off-break bowler of wiry physique who flighted the ball and allied swerve to spin and accuracy of length, he varied his pace skilfully from medium to slow-medium. Not until a late age did he enter big cricket after three years with the St. Hilda C.C., Melbourne. Then he rendered good service to Victoria, taking 159 wickets, average 23.88. In 1926-27, he bowled more balls--2,495--than anybody else in Australian first-class cricket and took more wickets--33--conceding only 816 runs.
Wisden Cricketers' Almanack