Alan Falconer Kippax, one of Australia’s most brilliant and prolific batsmen, was born on May 25, 1897, in Darlinghurst, New South Wales. Kippax’s love for cricket was evident from an early age, and he quickly emerged as a promising talent in the sport.
Kippax made his first-class debut for New South Wales in 1918, at the age of 21, and wasted no time in establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. His elegant stroke play and graceful style garnered comparisons to the legendary Victor Trumper, earning him widespread recognition and admiration.
During his illustrious career that spanned almost two decades, Kippax represented Australia in 22 Test matches between 1924 and 1934. Thirteen of these matches were played against England, and Kippax’s performances were nothing short of exceptional. He accumulated a total of 1192 runs in Test cricket, with an average of 36.12, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Notably, Kippax had the honor of touring England with the Australian team under the leadership of WM Woodfull in 1930 and 1934. These tours provided him with the opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage and further cement his reputation as one of Australia’s finest cricketers.
Throughout his career, Kippax demonstrated exceptional prowess with the bat and a knack for scoring centuries when it mattered the most. His first Test century came in the 1928-29 series against APF Chapman’s England team, where he scored an elegant and dominant 100. He followed this up with another remarkable century, scoring 146 against South Africa at Adelaide in the 1930-31 series.
While Kippax’s international career showcased his talent, his performances for New South Wales were equally outstanding. He captained the team for several years following the retirement of HL Collins, leading them to numerous victories. In total, Kippax amassed an impressive 6,096 runs for New South Wales, boasting a staggering average of 70.88.
One of Kippax’s most memorable innings came in the 1927-28 season, when he demolished the Queensland bowling attack with an unbeaten 315 runs. This innings not only demonstrated his exceptional skill and resilience but also solidified his position as one of Australia’s greatest cricketers.
In the subsequent Australian season, Kippax and his teammate JEH Hooker etched their names in history by setting a world record for the tenth wicket partnership. They added a remarkable 307 runs against Victoria, with Kippax contributing an impressive 240 to this record-breaking partnership.
Off the field, Kippax was known for his personal charm and charismatic personality. He was highly regarded by his peers and fans alike, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of meeting him. Kippax’s influence extended beyond his playing career, as he continued to contribute to the sport as a coach and mentor to young cricketers.
Alan Falconer Kippax passed away on September 5, 1972, in Sydney, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional skill, grace, and remarkable achievements. His contributions to Australian cricket will forever be remembered and celebrated, ensuring that his name lives on in the annals of the sport.
