Former Test bowler Geff Noblet dies aged 89

Geff Noblet, a fast bowler who played three Tests shortly after the Second World War, has died aged 89. Noblet was an outstanding performer in first-class cricket, collecting 282 wickets at 19.26, and represented South Australia in 49 matches, but his Test experience was limited by the presence of Keith Miller, Ray Lindwall and Bill Johnston.

He made his debut in South Africa in 1949-50 under Lindsay Hassett, picking up 3 for 21 in the first innings, and added matches against West Indies and South Africa on his Adelaide Oval home ground in 1951-52 and 1952-53. Able to move the ball both ways with an unusual flicking method, he finished with seven wickets at 26.14.

Noblet's final season in the Sheffield Shield resulted in 35 wickets as the state won the trophy, but he failed to make the 1953 Ashes tour and retired from the Australian domestic scene. However, he did play in England, appearing for Nelson in the Lancashire League and bowling for the Commonwealth XI in a first-class game against England in 1956.

Also a state baseball representative, Noblet became South Australia's cricket coach in 1956-57 and was a long-term state selector and board member. He was granted honorary life membership of the SACA in 1979-80.

"Geff, who forced his way into the national team at a time when Lindwall and Miller had a mortgage on the new ball, will always be remembered in fine company," Creagh O'Connor, the Cricket Australia chairman, said. "Those of us who had the personal pleasure to know him will also remember his excellent, long-term service to the South Australian game after he retired as a player." Noblet died last week, on the 16th, and his funeral was due to be held in Adelaide today.