Born 1897, Sydney

Died 1972, Sydney

Played for New South Wales and Australia

FC 1918 - 1935 12,762 runs (57.22), 43 centuries and 21 wickets (52.33)

Tests 22 1,192 runs (36.12), 2 centuries and 13 catches

Alan Kippax was a tall, slim right-handed player who like Victor Trumper before him, played with his shirtsleeves rolled up as far as he could get them. A New South Wales boy through and through, he was an unspectacular player but never boring, with very fast footwork around the crease especially against spin bowling. Kippax never captured the Test selection committee's full heartedly but when selected he often performed for his country scoring two centuries in the process.

He made his debut at home against England in 1924/5, missed the return tour in 1926 but then toured the next two tours (1930 and 1934) both with Don Bradman. They were successful tours and showed the Board of Control what they were missing, scoring at an average of over 50 on both tours. His two test centuries came against England (1928/9 at Melbourne) and against the West Indies in 1930/1 at Adelaide. Scoring 100 at Melbourne with Jack Ryder, the pair rescued Australia after an early collapse of wickets.

His first career was more stable than that of his Test career, playing for New South Wales for 17 seasons, several of them as captain. Kippax scored 315 not out against Queensland in 1928 (his highest first class score). His contribution to a still standing world record last wicket partnership of 307 (with JEH Hooker) was amazing, scoring 260 not out against Victoria.