Don Blackie

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