Bipin Dani
Ever heard of a man playing active cricket at the age of 91 ? Yes, you heard right. Australia’s Doug Crowell is still hitting the pitch at 91 years old.
Doug Crowell might be the world’s oldest professional cricket player. He’s one of the thousands of Australian seniors getting back on the pitch to play veterans cricket.
“I am thankful for the genes that my parents passed onto me as I have no illnesses and my eyesight is very clear.
I have played tennis as well all my sporting life and am still playing 3 days a week with mature people.
Have always been determined to stay fit so if a job needs to be done I will do it manually rather than mechanical but have never worried about going to gyms or doing exercises”, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Australia, he said.
“I played until I was 76 in the local association and as the NSW Over 60’s were beginning I was able to get a team from Tamworth and thus started the Veteran cricket here .
I continued to play with the Over 60’s and then when the Over 70’s was established I continued with them and have continued with this group”.
“The greatest highlight was to play in a game which was classed as a “Test match” but not sure if recognised as such against England in the Over 70’s where I was able to open the game and we won.
I have been blessed to have been able to play in every state of Aust and also New Zealand, Samoa, Christmas Island and Cocos Keeling Islands”.
Revealing the secret of his love for the game, he adds, “In my younger years I was opening bat and opening bowler and loved fielding even to field for the opposition,if needed; as I was always very fit; which was probably helped by the fact I was a farmer and a lot of physical work was required. My favourite shot was the leg side – square leg to fine leg and is still my favourite today.
I would also umpire during a game if needed and became an official umpire when I finished competition cricket 15 years ago. Resigned as an umpire last year’.
“I am in my second marriage and both wives have been very supportive. My first wife Glory(deceased) played cricket as well as my three children.
In fact my son Chriss and I were the first father and son combination to play in the same team in the Vets in Aust .
My second wife Margaret goes to all the games and was the main helper in making lunches for visiting teams and at championships“, he adds further.
Four generations Crowell’s four generations are in the game. “I am pleased to see my son, grandson and a great grandson playing as well.
His son is now playing in the Over 60″s, a grandson is playing first grade with Bective East Cricket Club, and the great grandson has been in his school team.
