30 years on, David Hookes’s slip catch still enthralls

A tally of 23 international catches might not look staggering, but David Hookes (he died in 2004), is remembered as one of Australia’s finest fielders.

A tally of 23 international catches might not look staggering, but David Hookes (he died in 2004), is remembered as one of Australia’s finest fielders.

This stunning second slip catch backs up the claim. In a fine display of anticipation and quick reflexes, Hookes managed to catch the ball that was almost dying on him to send back English opener Geoff Cook, reducing them to 10 for two. Australia won the Brisbane tie by seven wickets, with Hookes scoring a 56-ball 54, and clinching the man-of-the-match award.

‘Hooksey’, as he is fondly called, is often credited with the resurgence of Victorian cricket. As a coach, fielding was one aspect, he seriously focused on. Aussie coach Darren Lehmann and Victorian skipper Cameron White duly credit him for that.

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