Gregory Scott Blewett, popularly known as Greg Blewett, was born on October 29, 1971, in Adelaide, South Australia. His father, Bob Blewett, was also a cricketer and captain of the South Australia cricket team. Following in his father’s footsteps, Greg developed a passion for cricket from an early age and showed immense talent on the field.
Blewett’s batting skills were exceptional, and his ability to play various shots with elegance and grace made him one of Australia’s most reliable batsmen during the 1990s and early 2000s. His expertise in playing the pull, hook, cut, and cover drive set him apart from his contemporaries. Whether opening the innings or playing at No. 3, Blewett exuded calmness and confidence at the crease.
Apart from his batting prowess, Blewett was also a brilliant fielder, known for his agility, reflexes, and athleticism. In addition, he could contribute as a medium-pace bowler, making him a valuable asset to any team he represented.
During his career, Blewett achieved several remarkable feats. In his first two Test matches against England in 1995, he scored centuries in both, joining the elite company of Bill Ponsford and Doug Walters as the only Australians to achieve this feat. In 1997, Blewett partnered with Steve Waugh to establish a partnership of 385 runs, becoming one of the highest partnerships in Test history. Furthermore, he accomplished the rare feat of scoring two 99s in Test matches in the same calendar year.
Despite his consistent performances, Blewett struggled to establish himself as a permanent member of the Australian Test and ODI teams. However, he remained widely recognized and respected as a dependable cricketer within Australian domestic cricket. His ability to switch between defensive and aggressive batting made him a standout player in the domestic circuit.
Unfortunately, as he reached his early thirties, injuries started to plague Blewett’s career. Back and hand injuries troubled him a few seasons ago, followed by back and thigh issues the following summer. These setbacks led to his exclusion from the Pura Cup side. While his form declined, he continued to excel in one-day cricket, including scoring a century against Queensland to secure a place in the ING Cup final.
In 2006-07, after being dropped from the Redbacks’ one-day squad, Blewett announced his retirement from professional cricket in May 2007. His final season saw him score 270 runs in seven matches at an average of 24.54. Although injuries hampered his later years, Blewett’s contribution to Australian cricket is still valued and celebrated.
After retiring from playing, Blewett shifted his focus to coaching and became a commentator. He has shared his insights and expertise as a cricket analyst for various television networks and continues to be involved in the game he loves.
With his elegant strokeplay and consistent performances, Greg Blewett left an indelible mark on Australian cricket. His dedication, versatility, and determination have made him an iconic figure in the history of the sport.