Former Australia and Victoria fast bowler Alan Thomson passed away on Monday, October 31 aged 76. He is the bowler to take the first-ever wicket in the history of One Day Internationals. Thomson had the reputation of delivering the ball off his wrong foot and was also known for his unusual bowling action.
Surprisingly, the first-ever ODI wicket-taker could only manage to make five international appearances in 1970 and 1971 as he represented Australia in four Tests and a solitary One Day International taking 12 and one wicket respectovely.
Alan Thomson- Here's all you need to know about the first-ever ODI wicket-taker
The late pacer also registered 184 and 12 scalps in 44 first-class matches and seven List-A games respectively. Thomson's biggest international achievement was to be a part of the Australian squad during the 1970-71 Ashes series against arch-rivals England.
Even though he could not make his performances count with the ball in hand managing just 12 scalps from four matches averaging 54.50, he had the honor of sharing the new ball with the future pace legend Dennis Lillee who had made his international debut during the sixth Test at the Adelaide Oval.
England went on to win the seven-match series 2-0. However, the best thing about Alan Thomson's not-so famous international career is that even though he just took one wicket in the solitary ODI appearance that he made against England, it happened to be the big fish i.e. the legendary Sir Geoffrey Boycott. This historic feat was achieved at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on January, 5, 1971.
With his cricket career not clicking at the highest level, Alan Thomson tried his luck in the senior Australian rules football as an umpire. He officiated in the Senior Grade VFL football and his umpiring career saw him in six VFL games between 1970 and 1972. Apart from that, Thomson also did other jobs like working as a primary school teacher and in the courier service.
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