InMobi

Tributes flow for former Test allrounder Carlson

Champion Queenslander, who represented Australia six times in the summer of 1978-79, is remembered by the country's cricketing community

Australian cricket is mourning the loss of former allrounder Phil Carlson, who passed away last Friday after a long illness.

Carlson, who is survived by his wife Sandi, children Kandy, Steen, Kurt, Hana and nine grandchildren, played two Tests and four ODIs against England in 1978-79 and was 12th man for two more Ashes Tests.

His brief international career coming at the height of the World Series Cricket schism.

The Queenslander, who would have turned 71 next week, remains one of just three players to take 10 wickets and score a century in a Sheffield Shield match, while he boasts a strong record for his home state through a playing career that stretched across more than a decade after his first-class debut as an 18-year-old in January 1970.

"Phil provided many outstanding performances for Queensland, and in his post-playing life was a popular and much-admired member of the cricketing fraternity," said Queensland Cricket Chair Chris Simpson.

"He was a great supporter of the game through positions with the Queensland Cricketers' Club and took much pleasure in being associated with Country and Premier Cricket.

"We will mourn his passing and offer our sympathies to his family and friends."

Carlson played a significant chunk of his career as a regionally-based player, commuting to Brisbane from Childers in the Central Burnett region for his Shield and one-day commitments.

The right-hand bat, right-arm medium pacer became Australian Test cap number 300 when he replaced his state teammate Geoff Dymock for the final two Tests of that summer's Ashes.

In his second Test, he claimed the scalps of England captain Mike Brearley, and Graham Gooch, whose wicket he then took in two ODIs.

The cherished Baggy Green came during one of his strongest summers, in which he scored 545 runs and took 31 wickets for Queensland, including most famously the 10-wicket, century double – a feat only achieved by he, Joe Scuderi and George Giffen in the competition's rich history.

Originally a wicketkeeper, having represented Queensland in that position at Colts level, Carlson developed into a superb fielder, especially in the slips cordon and at gully.

As a teen, his initial selection for Queensland at first-class level came as a batter, but it was as an allrounder that his career blossomed through 89 first-class and 21 one-day games across the next decade.