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A Tribute to David William Hookes

Wednesday, January 21 2004

There aren't too many people in life who touch the hearts and minds of millions of people with their charm, wit and love for life. David William Hookes was one of them.

A 'true blue' Australian. A hero, an icon, an absolute legend. Not even these words can best describe a man of such versatility, flair and class. As the entire cricketing family mourns one of Australian Cricket's favourite sons, we as people should remember the good times and the great times in a great man's life.

I remember waking up on another typical monday morning, only to hear about the tragic night at the Beaconsfield Hotel. I never knew Hookesy personally, but I was a loyal viewer of his wonderful television program, 'Inside Cricket' and a loyal listener of his on the Melbourne Radio Station '3AW'.

His strong, yet charming personality as a media commentator had won me over many years ago. The first time I heard Hookesy in the media was during the 1997 Australian tour to India. Here he was, a former great Australian test cricketer, who was blessed with a very astute and strong cricketing mind.

Since then, David grew to be one of my most favourite commentators and cricketing 'pundits'. What I loved most about David was his honesty, integrity and his ideals.

In David's wonderful commentary, one could see his opinions and ideals flowing through the microphone. His personality equally flowed through the microphone. Here was a man who wasn't afraid of speaking his mind. A trait which has been respected by many people for many years.

Above else, David was an entertainer. With the bat, in the middle of the ground, nobody timed the ball better. When the swashbuckling backlift of Hookesy came down to meet the ball, the only destination was the boundary. Rarely has cricket seen a more gifted athlete and a more dedicated one at that.

From when the fairytale began during the centenary test in 1976/77 when he famously dispatched fellow broadcaster and close friend Tony Grieg for five consecutive boundaries to reach a wonderful half century, until his retirement from tests and first class cricket. Hookes always entertained us, and for that we thank you.

Even with life after cricket, Hookesy continued to entertain us. Behind the microphone, he toured with the Australian Cricket Team to countries such as the West Indies, India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand and gave us priceless moments and entertaining one liners. Not only did he time the ball wonderfully, his verbal commentary and quick wit was timed to perfection as well.

Not many have given back to the game as David Hookes has. After many years commentating, David turned to coaching the underperfoming Victoria Bushrangers in the Pura Cup, Australia's premier domestic cricket competition. Victoria blossomed under Hookes' inspiring leadership and his wealth of experience.

Hookes became more than just a coach, he became a friend and a father figure to many cricketers. The development of David Hussey and the rise of Matthew Inness can be attributed to David Hookes' hard work and perseverance. In the hands of David Hookes, Victorian and Australian Cricket were always in good hands.

In what was one of the darkest days cricket has had to endure, and one of the darkest days in my life, we should remember the wonderful contribution David Hookes made to the game. His contribution and voice towards Indian Cricket has had a big influence of Indian Cricket's growth and new found 'steel' and that characteristic 'Aussie mental toughness'.

David's contribution to World Cricket is priceless and invaluable. He forever will go into cricketing sainthood and all those wonderful memories of him behind the mic, and leading Victorian Cricket into new heights will not be forgotten.

David's voice and opinion certainly contributed to Indian Cricket's uprising, and I as an Indian-Australian thank you sincerely for all the moments of joy and entertainment you provided cricket lovers everywhere with.

To Robyn Hookes and family, David was a wonderful man and his achievements will long be remembered as visionary and noble. He touched our lives in a way that can not be described or imagined. May he live on forever in our hearts and in our souls.

From Cricket Web, Indian Cricket, the people from both India and Australia and myself, a final goodbye to David William Hookes. A legend, a hero, a true gem of a bloke.

Rest In Peace,


David William Hookes

3rd May 1955 - 19th January 2004

..."the candle's burned out long before, the legend ever will"



Posted by Sangrah