Vale Eddie Barlow
I think it’s true that you’re getting old when funerals outnumber weddings. Kerry Packer died, but he was overweight, diabetic, had a dodgy heart and was sick for a long time. It came as a greater shock to me that former South African all-rounder Eddie Barlow died this week, aged 65.
I saw him play World Series Cricket at provincial Traralgon in the late 70s. It was probably the biggest non-football crowd at the Traralgon Showgrounds, around 7000 people. Max Walker was playing too and I remember revelling in the atmosphere.
South Africa was isolated at that time and Barlow was a novelty. He impressed with his all-round skills. I think it was a game between Australia and the Cavaliers, or something like that.
Barlow deserved better and should have played scores of test matches. Of course, South Africa was ostracised because of apartheid and he never realised his true potential. He got to play 30 tests though, which is more than many others of his era.
You have to wonder what impact South Africa would have had on the sport if politics hadn’t intervened. I suspect the likes of Pollock, Richards and Barlow would have dominated and raised a new generation of champions.
All players wore black armbands for Packer at the MCG this week. I think Barlow is equally worthy of the honor at Sydney on Monday.
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My dad’s aunt was burried yesterday. She was 100 years old and the last couple of years she was having trouble remembering things. I don’t know that I ever met her.
I’m at that age when my friends parents are likely to start passing. These funerals become mini reunions and I see people I haven’t seen in years … sometimes 20.