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Queensland cricket great Sam Trimble dies

3 minute read

Batting great and Queensland Cricket life member Sam Trimble, regarded as one of the best not to have played a Test for Australia, has died at the age of 84.

One of Queensland cricket's most-prolific batsmen Sam Trimble has died at the age of 84.

A Queensland Cricket life member since 1997, Trimble was the only player selected in QC's team of the 20th century who did not play a Test.

His path was blocked at international level by Australian greats such as Bob Simpson and Bill Lawry, despite regularly being among the leading scorers at state level.

In a 144-match first-class career, "Slammin Sam" scored 10,282 runs at an average of 41. His Sheffield Shield record for Queensland returned 8647 runs at 39.85 including 22 centuries.

His first-class record for Queensland of 9465 runs at 40.80 from 133 games made him the state's leading run-scorer until eventually eclipsed by Stuart Law and Martin Love.

Queensland Cricket chairman Chris Simpson paid tribute on Monday.

"Sam's batting efforts were inevitably a highlight for Queensland fans during those many summers when a Sheffield Shield title eluded the efforts of the state despite the presence of so many talented players.

"He remained a steadfast supporter of cricket in this state in his post-playing days in so many areas: in coaching, as a state selector ... he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. On behalf of the QC family, we express our sympathies to his family and friends," Simpson said.

Trimble was 12th man for the first Test against the West Indies in 1965 in Jamaica and also captained an Australia Second XI to New Zealand in 1969, where he hit a double century in the third unofficial Test against the Kiwis.

His first-class career spanned 1959-60 through to 1975-76, when, as a 41-year-old opening batsman, he contributed several match-winning efforts for Queensland.

Trimble received a MBE in 1975 for services to cricket.

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