RICK DARLING TO ATTEND SUNDAY VIEWING AND MONDAY NIGHT'S AUCTION

Auction 273
Sport & General Memorabilia
Monday 10th October 2005
Bids Close: 5:30pm

Here are some examples of the items being offered in this collection:

View the 273 auction catalogue (Rick Darling Collection 206-218): Auction 273 Catalogue

A dashing but reluctant opening batsman, Rick Darling represented Australia during the WSC era and was unlucky not to revive his Test career afterwards. A great-nephew of Joe Darling, Rick Darlings quick reflexes and array of shots marked him as an Australian player from his first-class debut at the age of 18 in 1985/76. He made his Test debut for Australia, opening the batting on his home ground, the Adelaide Oval, in the Fifth Test against India in 1977/78 and impressed with scores of 65 and 56. He scored his highest Test score, a subdued 91, againgst England in the following summer. A nervous beginner, Darling was a courageous player against fast bowlers, and his batting featured some audacious hook shots. Attempting such a stroke at Adelaide in 1979, he was hit in the chest by English fast bowler Bob Willis and briefly stopped breathing when chewing gum lodged in his throat. Timely action by John Emburey rescusitated him. Despite this setback, Darling hooked Willis for six in the the secong innings . After tours to the West Indies and India, Darling lost hist Test place when the Packer players returned. Darling wes also an outstanding cover fieldsman. Although Darling topped the Australian averages in the 1981/82 season (1011 runs at 72) he was unable to regain his Test place, though he did appear in some Limited Overs Internationals. He was a member of two SA Shield-winning sides in 1975/76 and 1981/82. His interstate career ended prematurely after acrimoniuos disputes with SA captain David Hookes over his place in the SA batting order.
RB & BW

First Class: 1975/76 to 1985/86

Tests: 1977/78 to 1879/80

LOI: 1977/78 to 1981/82

LOD: 1976/77 to 1985/86