Vic Richardson

Early Life and Sporting Background

Victor York Richardson was a leading Australian sportsman, known for his cricketing and leadership abilities in the 1920s and 30s who made significant contributions to the sport as a player and captain. Vic Richardson was born on September 7, 1894, in Parkside, South Australia, and grew up in the Unley area. He came from a family with a strong sporting tradition, and during his early years, he played multiple sports including gymnastics, basketball, cricket, baseball, lacrosse, and Australian Rules football. He received his education from Kyre College, and during his time at this school, he honed his cricketing skills and developed a passion for the sport.

Cricketing Career and Leadership

Vic Richardson was a versatile cricketer representing Australia in 19 Test matches between 1924 and 1936, including five as captain in the 1935-36 tour of South Africa. He primarily played as a right-handed batsman but was also a capable right-arm leg-spin bowler and was rated the best fielder in the world. Vic Richardson made his first-class debut for South Australia in the 1918–19 season. Richardson’s leadership abilities were recognized, as he was appointed as the vice-captain during the infamous Bodyline series of 1932-33. Richardson played his last Test match at the age of 41, taking five catches in the second innings in 1936, setting a record that stood for decades. In 1949, he became a coach for the South Australian cricket team.

Australian Rules Football and Multi-Sport Success

Richardson also had a fortunate career in Australian Rules football. In 1915, he played for the Sturt Football Club in the South Australian National Football League. He captained Sturt and was part of premiership-winning teams, kicking 23 goals. Richardson was a talented multi-sport athlete who excelled in other sports including baseball, where he was a national and state representative; golf, where he was a state representative; as well as tennis, lacrosse, basketball, and swimming. During his sports career, which lasted for 20 years, he played 184 matches for Australia and South Australia, scoring 10,724 runs, including 27 centuries and averaging 37.63. He also took 211 catches and even completed four stumpings as a stand-in wicketkeeper.

Post-Retirement Contributions and Honors

After retiring from cricket, he went on to become a respected radio commentator and partnered with former English Test captain Arthur Gilligan. In 1949, he was honored by The South Australian Cricket Association, which dedicated the “Victor Richardson Gates” at the Adelaide Oval in his memory. On 10 June 1954, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to cricket.

Legacy and Passing

On 30 October 1969, Richardson passed away at the age of 75 while watching sports on television at home. He was cremated on the same day. His death marked the end of an influential career in the world of sports, mostly in cricket and Australian Rules football.