Greg Ritchie, Australian cricketer
Gregory Michael Ritchie, born on 23 January 1960, stands as a highly respected former Australian international cricketer. Known for his significant contributions both on the international stage and, notably, within Australian domestic cricket, Ritchie forged a distinguished career spanning from the early 1980s through to the early 1990s.
International Cricket Career: Representing Australia
From 1982 to 1987, Gregory Ritchie was a prominent figure in the Australian national team, participating in 30 Test matches and 44 One Day Internationals (ODIs). His international tenure coincided with a period of intense global competition in cricket, where he faced formidable opponents and contributed as a solid middle-order batsman for his country. Playing across both formats, Ritchie demonstrated his adaptability and resilience against top international bowling attacks during an era of significant transition for Australian cricket.
A Pillar of Queensland Cricket: His Domestic Dominance
While his international career was notable, Gregory Ritchie's legacy is profoundly marked by his outstanding contributions to Queensland cricket. He represented Queensland from 1980 to 1992, becoming one of the state's most prolific and consistent batsmen.
First-Class Records and Achievements
Throughout his extensive first-class cricket career, which encompasses all matches considered to be of the highest standard, Gregory Ritchie amassed an impressive total of 10,170 runs. This remarkable achievement, secured at a robust average of 44.21, highlights his exceptional skill and endurance as a batsman. His first-class record also includes:
- 24 centuries: Demonstrating his ability to convert starts into substantial, match-influencing scores.
- 54 fifties: Further solidifying his reputation as a consistent run-scorer who frequently reached half-century milestones, underpinning his reliability at the top level of Australian domestic competition.
Sheffield Shield Legacy
Ritchie's profound impact on Queensland cricket was officially recognized in the year 2000, when he was named as one of the seven greatest Sheffield Shield run-scorers in the history of Queensland. The Sheffield Shield is Australia's premier domestic first-class cricket competition, a rigorous proving ground for international talent. This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon him for accumulating over 6,000 runs specifically for his state in the Sheffield Shield, underscoring his unparalleled dominance and enduring influence in Queensland's cricketing landscape. His consistent performance and leadership in this competition were instrumental in shaping a strong era for Queensland cricket, cementing his status as a true legend of the Maroons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gregory Ritchie
- When was Gregory Ritchie born?
- Gregory Michael Ritchie was born on 23 January 1960.
- How many Test matches and ODIs did Gregory Ritchie play for Australia?
- He represented Australia in 30 Test matches and 44 One Day Internationals between 1982 and 1987.
- What was Gregory Ritchie's major domestic cricket achievement?
- In 2000, he was named one of the seven greatest Sheffield Shield run-scorers in Queensland history, having amassed over 6,000 runs for his state specifically in that competition.
- What were Gregory Ritchie's overall first-class career statistics?
- He scored 10,170 runs at an average of 44.21, including 24 centuries and 54 fifties, throughout his first-class career, primarily for Queensland.