Booth, who also represented Australia in hockey at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, is survived by his wife Judy and four daughters and we extend our sincere sympathy to them, their families and Brian’s many friends, inside and outside of the cricket community.
A stylish middle order batter, his enormous talent saw Booth represent Australia on 29 occasions, including twice as captain during the 1965/66 Ashes, scoring 1773 runs, including five centuries, at an average of 42.21.
He represented the NSW Blues on 93 occasions, plundering 5577 runs at 43.5, including 81 Sheffield Shield matches where he scored 4943 runs at 43.35 with 10 centuries plus 25 half-centuries. He captained NSW 12 times.
Booth was recognised with his elevation to Life Membership in 1971 and induction into the CNSW Hall of Fame in 2014.
Booth was a stalwart of the St George District Cricket Club, where he won a premiership in his first season (1952/53) and amassed 10674 runs at 45.4, including 23 centuries, the club record. His 110 wickets were captured at 24.9 and included a hattrick against Nth Sydney in 1961/62. He was chosen in the club’s Team of the Century in 2010 as well as the Hall of Fame. Life Membership was awarded in 1970.
Booth was also elected a Life Member of the MCC and in 1982 received an MBE from the Queen.
While Booth’s playing record is outstanding, his contribution off the field in the nearly 50 years since his playing retirement has been remarkable. He took on the St George DCC presidency in 1972 and after 10 years in office became Club Patron, a role he held until his passing. He also devoted more than a decade to coach his club’s AW Green Shield side and was a mentor to many on matters of cricket and beyond.
Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said Booth was universally loved – as much for his gentlemanly nature as his sporting achievements.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Brian Booth and our sincerest condolences go to his wife Judy, his daughters and his friends,” Germon said.
“Brian’s record on the playing field and as a leader are well documented and the fact he was able to captain Australia and NSW in cricket, as well as play hockey for Australia at a home Olympics, shows just how special he was as an athlete.
“But that is just a part of who Brian was and it was his respectful, courteous and friendly manner off the field that will endure in the memories of all that he came into contact with.”
RIP Brian Booth.