WA Cricket is mourning the loss of former Western Australian cricketer Keith Slater, who passed away peacefully recently, aged 89.
Vale Keith Slater
Slater was a much-loved member of the WA Cricket family, representing his state on 67 occasions in First Class cricket between 1955 and 1967. He compiled 2114 runs at 21.35, whilst his combination of medium pace and offspin saw him claim 122 wickets.
The versatile allrounder also went on to make his Test debut for Australia against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 1959, claiming two wickets.
Slater also produced a storied career for Midland-Guildford in WA Premier Cricket, playing a club-record 259 matches after making his First-Grade debut as a 15-year-old in 1950.
His contribution to the game of cricket in Western Australia was highlighted in October 2013, when he was awarded WA Cricket Life Membership.
Once his playing days were over, Slater founded the Lilac Hill Festival Match, which brought together a Cricket Australia Chairman’s XI against an international touring team.
A highly-talented athlete, Slater also made a name for himself in the Western Australian Football League, playing for both Swan Districts and Subiaco across his 240 matches.
He was a worthy recipient of the Simpson Medal, awarded to the player judged Best on Ground, in the Swans 1961 Premiership triumph.
Known as a mobile ruckman, Slater finished his playing days as a three-time Premiership and three-time Best and Fairest winner.
The WACA Board, WA Cricket Management, staff and players extend their deepest sympathies to the Slater family.