Illawarra Cricket Community Mourns the Passing of Hall of Fame Pace Bowler Barry Bates
The Illawarra cricket community is in mourning following the passing of one of its most respected and talented pace bowlers, Barry Bates. The Hall of Fame inductee died late last month in Sussex Inlet after a prolonged period of ill health, leaving behind a rich legacy in Australian cricket.
A Promising Career Cut Short by Circumstance
Barry Bates, who was inducted into the Illawarra Cricket Hall of Fame in 2024, showed exceptional promise from a young age. Growing up in Port Kembla, his talent was evident when he scored 108 runs for Port Kembla Public School in a Primary School competition final at just eleven years old. His early development at the Port Kembla Junior Cricket Club saw him cultivate a natural fluid bowling action that would become his trademark.
Bates made his first-grade debut for Port Kembla at the remarkably young age of fifteen, becoming a regular team member by sixteen. Throughout the 1950s, he established himself as a formidable force in Illawarra cricket, capturing 63 wickets at an impressive average of 3.3 during the 1954-55 season while captaining the under-16 premiership team.
State Recognition and Near-Miss with National Honors
Bates' outstanding performances at the local level, including a remarkable 9-60 against Corrimal, earned him Illawarra representative honors. His talent was further recognized when he joined the NSW colts team in 1958, representing the state in subsequent years. In November 1959, a fine performance against Newcastle in front of state selectors led to his selection to open the NSW attack while regular bowlers were touring India with the Australian team.
Despite being in contention for Australia's Ashes team of 1961, Bates narrowly missed selection to fellow NSW paceman Frank Misson. His first-class career, though brief, included notable performances such as taking 4-50 and 2-29 against Queensland at the SCG, earning praise from cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman for his efforts in Adelaide.
Career Highlights and Premier Bowling Performance
Perhaps Bates' finest bowling spell came in November 1960 at Stuart Park while playing for Illawarra against a powerful NSW team. In a devastating display of express bowling, he dismissed all six top-order batters - Ian Craig, Ray Flockton, Neil Harvey, Norman O'Neill, Graham Thomas and Alan Davidson - finishing with figures of 6/66 from 17 overs. He further demonstrated his skill by bowling Australian Test batter Neil Harvey in the second innings of that match.
Unfortunately, Bates' opportunities with NSW diminished after Test players returned to state duty, and his first-class career concluded at just twenty-four years of age with 26 wickets at an average of 28.
Return to Local Cricket and Premiership Success
Bates returned to his beloved Port Kembla, where he strived throughout the 1960s to help the Harboursiders secure a premiership through all-round performances, though success remained elusive. After relocating to the Figtree area, he joined Western Suburbs Cricket Club at thirty-five and finally celebrated premiership success, captaining Wests to victory in the 1974-75 season.
During that triumphant season, Bates claimed 47 wickets, including an impressive 8/16 against his former club, playing a pivotal role in Wests being declared premiers after rain disrupted the final against University.
Lasting Legacy and Community Impact
Even in veteran competition, Bates remained a formidable presence, utilizing his 6'3" frame to maximum effect despite bowling off a shortened run-up. He retired in 1977 after claiming 117 wickets during his three seasons with Western Suburbs. Throughout his career with Port Kembla, Bates captured 385 wickets and scored over 2000 runs, including one century.
Beyond his playing days, Bates remained active in coaching, spending over a decade working with his son Russell at the Bradman Foundation. His numerous Illawarra records include winning the Ring Trophy for outstanding first-grade cricketer in 1973-74 and topping the first-grade bowling averages on four occasions.
A Cricket Illawarra spokesman highlighted Bates' enduring legacy, noting his competitive spirit was always balanced by fair play and support for younger teammates. "Barry Bates played in the best spirit of the game and was especially supportive of the younger players in his team," the spokesman remarked.
Cricket NSW and Cricket Illawarra have requested all first and second grade sides to acknowledge Bates' passing at the start of this weekend's games. The community's thoughts are with Bates' children Russell and Raelene, and his grandchildren Bryce, Mitchell, Caitlin and Cody, as well as the clubs he represented throughout his distinguished career.
