Emerson Rodwell dies aged 89

Emerson Rodwell, the former Tasmania cricketer, has died aged 89. He played 18 first-class matches between 1947 and 1956, captaining the state on eight occasions in 1950.

He scored 709 runs and took eight wickets but at grade level was a formidable performer and amassed 11,542 first grade runs from 337 innings at an average of 38.47. He won the TCA batting averages on six occasions and was the Association's highest run-scorer five times. In 1949-50 he compiled 1071 runs - exceeded since only by Ron Morrisby (1099) in 1951-52.

His cricket career had been interrupted by the Second World War and he was awarded the Military Medal after serving in Borneo. Following his retirement from playing in 1956 he remained very active with the cricket scene serving as an administrator for the Tasmania Cricket Association and covered local cricket for the ABC.