Name:

Eastwood, Kenneth H

Nickname:

Ken

Date of Birth:

23 Nov 1935

Gender:

Men

Place of Birth:

Chatswood, NSW, Australia

Career:

Test: 1971 - 1971

Teams:

Vidarbha (Regional)
Australia (Country)

1970/71: Illy regains the Ashes with Snow

Ken Eastwood (born 23 November 1935 in Chatswood, NSW) is noted for his brief, yet memorable, appearance at Test level.

A left-handed opening batsman and occasional slow left-arm wrist spinner, Eastwood represented Victoria from 1959/60 to 1971/72. During this period, he scored more than 2,700 runs at an impressive average of 41.87, including nine centuries.

Despite his domestic success, Eastwood’s international career comprised just one Test match. He made his debut for Australia in February 1971 at the age of 35, stepping in for his state teammate Bill Lawry who was sensationally sacked as captain. In that match, he scored 5 and 0 but claimed a wicket with his unorthodox spin.

Off the field, Eastwood’s story is full of character. He famously received two baggy green caps—one extra “to try for size”—and hitchhiked to the Sydney Cricket Ground on the morning of his Test debut. After retiring from first-class cricket, he remained active in club cricket well into his 50s and later served as an umpire.