Keith Thomson (sportsman)

Keith Thomson (26 February 1941 – 26 January 2023) was a New Zealand sportsman who represented his country at both cricket and hockey. He played two cricket Test matches in 1968, and 28 hockey Tests between 1961 and 1971, and was later an umpire in both sports.

Keith Thomson
Personal information
Born(1941-02-26)26 February 1941
Methven, New Zealand
Died26 January 2023(2023-01-26) (aged 81)
Christchurch, New Zealand
BattingRight-handed
BowlingRight-arm medium
RelationsBill Thomson (brother)
International information
National side
Test debut22 February 1968 v India
Last Test29 February 1968 v India
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
1959/60–1974/75Canterbury
Career statistics
Competition Test FC LA
Matches 2 71 3
Runs scored 94 3134 40
Batting average 31.33 28.23 13.33
100s/50s 0/1 5/15 0/0
Top score 69 136* 26
Balls bowled 21 511 48
Wickets 1 5 1
Bowling average 9.00 49.20 22.00
5 wickets in innings 0 0 0
10 wickets in match 0 0 0
Best bowling 1/9 1/9 1/7
Catches/stumpings 0/– 35/– 0/–
Source: Cricinfo, 22 May 2023

Cricket career

A middle-order batsman, Thomson was stoutly built and batted with a crouching stance, but hit the ball hard.[1] He played first-class cricket for Canterbury from 1959–60 to 1973–74. In the Plunket Shield in 1966–67 he hit two centuries and was selected for all four matches for New Zealand against the touring Australian XI.

Thomson made his Test debut against India in the 1967–68 season at Christchurch where he scored 69 (adding 119 for the fifth wicket with Graham Dowling) and 0 not out in what was New Zealand's fourth victory in Tests.[2] His second, and final, Test came a week later at Wellington where he scored 25 and 0.[3]

His highest score in first-class cricket was 136 not out for Canterbury against Northern Districts in 1968–69. He was a fine fieldsman, a good catcher close to the wicket.[1]

Thomson later became an umpire, standing in 13 first-class matches and 11 List A matches between 1983–84 and 1986–87.[4][5]

Hockey career

Thomson played hockey for Canterbury from 1959 to 1974 mainly as centre half or inside right. He made his debut for New Zealand in 1961 against India at Lancaster Park, Christchurch. Between 1961 and 1971 he represented New Zealand in 28 hockey Tests. At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, he played in eight games and scored three goals – one each against India, East Germany and Belgium, as New Zealand finished seventh.[6][7][8]

Thomson was a New Zealand graded hockey umpire and umpired two international matches involving Canada and India. He was awarded life memberships of the Canterbury Hockey Association and the New Zealand Hockey Association.[1]

Later life and death

Thomson worked as a secondary school teacher. He taught at Amuri Area School, Hagley High School, Makora College (in Masterton) and Christchurch Boys' High School.[1]

Thomson died in Christchurch on 26 January 2023, at the age of 81.[9][10]

References
  1. "The Thomson Tales". Sydenham CC. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  2. "2nd Test, Christchurch, Feb 22 - 27 1968, India tour of New Zealand". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  3. "3rd Test, Wellington, Feb 29 - Mar 4 1968, India tour of New Zealand". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  4. "Keith Thomson as Umpire in First-Class Matches". CricketArchive. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  5. "Keith Thomson as Umpire in List A Matches". CricketArchive. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  6. "Keith Thomson". Olympic.org.nz. New Zealand Olympic Committee. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
  7. Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Keith Thomson". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
  8. "Test cricketers who played international field hockey". The Roar. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  9. "Double international Keith Thomson dies in Christchurch, aged 81". Stuff. 27 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  10. "Keith Thomson obituary". The New Zealand Herald. 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
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