Norm O'Neill

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Norm O'Neill
Australia (AUS)
Norm O'Neill
Batting style Right-hand bat
Bowling type -
Tests First-class
Matches 42 188
Runs scored 2779 13859
Batting average 45.55 50.95
100s/50s 6/15 45/64
Top score 181 284
Balls bowled 1392
Wickets 17 99
Bowling average 39.23 41.01
5 wickets in innings 0 0
10 wickets in match 0 0
Best bowling 4/41 4/40
Catches/stumpings 21/0 104/0

Test debut: 5 December 1958
Last Test: 5 May 1965
Source: [1]

Norman Clifford O'Neill (born February 19, 1937 in Carlton, New South Wales) is a former Australian cricket player who played for New South Wales and Australia. Attended Kogarah High School 1949-1951

He was a class batsman, achieving a Test average of 45.55 in 42 matches between 1958 and 1965. In the 1960/61 Tied Test against the West Indies played at the Brisbane Cricket Ground ("The Gabba"), he made 181 in 401 minutes. Jack Fingleton later described the innings as having sparkled like champagne. As well as being the highest score made by any player in the series, it was also the only century made for Australia.

He was a nervous starter, but once settled, was a punishing batsman, particularly off the back foot. He was one of the great fielders of his era, with a magnificent throwing arm developed no doubt from his days as a baseballer.

He was named as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1962.

After his retirement, O'Neill became a radio commentator for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

His son Mark O'Neill played for New South Wales in the 80's and 90's.

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