Vale Froggy

The Victorian pace bowler played four Test matches during the 1970/71 Ashes series.

Mr Thomson made his first-class debut for Victoria in January 1969 and went on to claim 11 wickets in a tour match against the West Indies that summer.

Mr Thomson is forever etched in cricket folklore for taking the first wicket in One-Day International cricket on Australian soil.

He will also be fondly remembered for his unique bowling style, with his name synonymous with his front on windmill-like action.

The right-armer claimed 133 wickets at 24.70 in 29 Sheffield Shield matches for Victoria, including career-best figures of 8/87 against New South Wales.

He was a member of Victoria’s Sheffield Shield title side in 1970.

Cricket Victoria Chair Ross Hepburn said “Froggy made a wonderful contribution to both Australian and Victorian cricket and on behalf of Cricket Victoria, our sympathies are with his family, friends and team mates.”

“Froggy burst onto the scene with Victoria, taking 22 wickets in his first three matches. It was a memorable start and set the tone for a career made famous by his unique bowling action, Australian selection and his own slice of cricket history. He will be sadly missed.”