https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Blewett
Greg Blewett was a very elegant right handed batsman and medium pacer bowler. He is the son of Bob and Shirley (Bob was a fearsome competitor who played 25 games for South Australia and was for a while the skipper). I asked Greg if he could remember Bob playing and he replied no, he laughed re the competitive side of things and said yes every one says that.
Greg attended Thorndon Park Primary school and then Angaston Primary School (while living in Angaston Greg represented Barossa and Light districts in both footy and cricket with Darren Lehmann.) Greg was very good athletics wise and won the triple jump at the Australian carnival with Little Athletics, but admits he lost interest with the enormous time commitment required and enjoyed cricket and footy more so gave athletics away. The family moved back to Adelaide, Greg went to Marden High (Andrew Zesers, ex Redback and member of the World Cup winning squad in 1987 was also at Marden and was the same size then as he is now!). From Year 10 Greg was a student at Prince Alfred College. Blewey holds the remarkable record of scoring tons in the famous institution of the intercol against St Peters College while in year 10, 11 and 12, the only player to have done so. Considering the famous cricketers who have attended PAC such as the Chappell brothers, Kelvin Smith, Jake Weatherald and many others puts it into perspective. 1987 contained Greg’s greatest sporting accomplishment, playing 2 Under 17s games for the mighty Redlegs (I will continue to annoy you to become a past players and officials member of the Norwood FC Blewey!). In all seriousness Greg was regarded as a good footballer, alas college commitments stopped him from playing more games for Norwood. While he loved footy Blewey was always aware talent wise cricket was the go.
Greg represented South Australia in Under 17s and 19s with Ben Higgins a teammate. (Ben may well be the last person to play state cricket and league footy). Greg was picked in the Australian Under 19 side to tour England in a team that included Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist and Michael Kasprowicz. Greg was the leading run-scorer on the tour, publicity had correctly started about the gun SA kid. Blewy started the season off making a hundred for Prospect and was duly chosen to make his first class debut (Greg’s original district club was East Torrens with Bob being club coach he moved to Prospect when his father changed clubs again as club coach really just for the practical reason getting to training). Greg debuted against Queensland at the Gabba and performed solidly over the next few seasons without dominating.
It was the summer of 1994-95 that Blewy burst in to prominence, and was chosen to represent Australia A while in really good form, making consistent runs in the one-day tournament including a ton and then in a Shield game not only making runs but taking 4 wickets against a full strength NSW side (it’s the only shield game my wife has attended, we had a wedding on the Sunday with the reception at Ad Oval it was stinking hot so I said Emma we might as well go to Ad oval early and wait in the air conditioned bar, of course I was only thinking of Emma’s wellbeing and we won!). Greg was selected with Peter McIntyre to make his Test debut against England at the Adelaide Oval batting at number 6 (Blewy hadn’t in his life batted in the middle order), his bowling played a part in his selection. Blewy is like myself mystified why more batsman aren’t working on their bowling these days. Blewy actually bowled first change and walked out to bat with Australia 4-207 chasing 353 (Mike Gatting 117), Blewy settled quickly and batted beautifully with his driving a feature, he seemed to be cruising towards a century having a partnership of 164 with Ian Healy before suddenly Healy, Shane Warne and Damien Fleming were dismissed and Peter McIntrye came out to bat. There was drama with Blewey in the ‘nervous nineties’ (not Blewey’s strength in his career) with it turning out Craig McDermott had been rushed to hospital with the happeningsin good humor explained below
Blewey brought up his hundred to a standing ovation from his rapt home crowd. Greg had a habit of looking for family and friends in the crowd, using it as method to switch on and off re concentration, he looks over to the members and sees a heap of mates walking downstairs headed towards the Chappell Bar aka The Magic Cave, his first reaction was “geez nice support you blokes” and then he thought “hey I would do the same thing”, the Adelaide Oval Test match isn’t known as the social test match for nothing. Greg ended up 104 not out, unfortunately Australia collapsed in the 2nd innings with the sheer pace of Devon Malcolm and swing of Chris Lewis both taking 4 wickets Blewey made 12.
Off to Perth and again Blewey batted superbly, bringing up his 2nd ton with his pulling and hooking the feature.
Australia won convincingly and Greg was able to celebrate his own first test win.
It was then off to the West Indies for the unofficial world championship, Greg mentions it’s his favorite tour and time as a Test cricketer with contributing to the regaining of the Sir Frank Worrall trophy, with actual decent programming with time between Test matches to celebrate and enjoy the islands of the West Indies, Greg made the point it just meant so much to the experienced senior players.
My favorite game as a devoted Redback supporter was South Australia holding on to manage to draw the game against WA to win the Sheffield Shield.
SA win the Sheffield Shield
That Shield final announced to the cricket world the arrival of Adam Gilchrist with a brutal, breathtaking century which put SA on the back foot from early on day 2. SA on the last day trying to bat the day out Blewey was batting well and had dug in, he was given out lbw for 72 (plumb if there were 9 stumps, it was a Barry Crocker!), the nerves were on tenterhooks for the whole last session with a brilliant rear guard fighting effort from Shane George and Peter McIntrye, the last over bowled by Brendon Julian to Macca seemed to take a eternity, when Macca blocked the last ball the Adelaide Oval erupted, it was a fantastic night at the Planet and back at Adelaide Oval the following night.
I was nursing at the time of the Shield final, on a hot day I put a jumper on and jogged to the doctors put on a fake cough hey Malcolm you look terrible bingo a sick certificate for a week (surely statue of limitations applies 20 odd years later).
Greg had a career highlight batting the day with Steve Waugh putting on a casual 385 partnership against South Africa in 1997 with Greg making 214.
Greg points out the ruthlessness of Steve Waugh in wanting to bury the Proteas, he was just so strong, mental disintegration of the opposition was always an aim.
Greg toured England and made a ton in the 1st test at Edgbaston
(so it was hundreds in his first 3 Ashes Test matches), this was at the time when Mark Taylor was really struggling, personally as a young player it didn’t affect him but Greg admits there were plenty of murmurings in the dressing room about the number of chances Tubby received, Greg also totally agrees that Taylor was a master tactician as captain.
Greg’s test career had its ups and downs, he admits had he worked harder trying to improve against spinners it would have helped greatly when he was younger, he had grown up with the words keep the ball on the ground indoctrinated in his brain it was only learning to loft the ball when he was older and improving his potential scoring areas that he felt he started to master playing spin bowling. Greg admits he feels that in ending up averaging 34 he under achieved and his inability to convert more starts in to hundreds prevented him from playing more than 46 test matches. Mind you 232 first class matches, 17,352 runs at an average of 44.49 is pretty bloody impressive!
In one of Greg’s first Shield matches he was demoted down the batting order in a run chase, Greg came out to bat and was battling a tad, it was a Sunday afternoon and there was quite a reasonable crowd in attendance, this spectator is sledging Blewey, anyway we end up winning with Blewey hitting the winning runs, we are in the bar celebrating after the game, all of a sudden Peter McIntryre bursts in and makes a beeline for me having a real crack, I reply “Macca, yes I am not Marcel Marceau and make my thoughts known but it wasn’t me”, Geoff Wilson with me says “Macca I would love to say it was Malcolm but it was the guy two rows in front” Macca goes “ok” and departs sheepishly, Macca and I have laughed about it since.
On another occasion Blewey was captain and we are playing Tassie in a one dayer, we need to win and gain a bonus point, I feel that Blewey isn’t attacking enough and I do let my feelings known, Blewey gives the old signal ‘you come out and do better’ I am with John Chook Edwards who is more than encouraging me to go on the ground, luckily I hadn’t had enough beers to accept the challenge!
I was nervous when I started doing Australian Sports Camps coaching clinics with Blewey but he was great and no problems whatsoever. At every camp there would be a long throwing competition, it was like taking candy from a baby, Blewey would say “my shoulder’s sore I haven’t thrown a ball for ages” each kid would have a go and then Blewey would nonchalantly go kapow.
(illustrates his throwing ability superbly)
Blewey has the best answering message on his mobile I have ever heard, it’s his daughter Taylor “You have rung Greg Blewett’s overworked and underpaid PA, please leave a message”, this was recorded when Taylor was quite young so Blewey has had it close to a decade now, Taylor hates it so the perfect reason to keep it!
Greg’s career highlight was the West Indian tour and playing in the very close knit winning Shield side, James Brayshaw is his best mate from cricket and they are the godfather to each other’s children.
Greg’s SA career ended abruptly after a fall out with selectors, communication could and should have been better, personally I still think he had a fair bit to offer.
District cricket wise Blewey particularly has fond memories of the two flags he played in with Kensington, making a ton and having a huge partnership with Dean Waugh (a huge character Deano the forgotten Waugh) and virtually being a spectator watching Jason Morgan scoring a imperious double hundred (Blewey if you had managed to get Morgs to knuckle down and curb his impetuousness you could have cured the world’s problems).
Greg is a very accomplished golfer who plays off scratch and has represented and played in a winning South Australian senior team, however it’s his son Sam who has become more well known through his golfing video
He’s a gun!
Greg is happily married to Katheryn with children Sam and Rory and is rapt where his life is at with his role with SA cricket and commentating wise combining both and not having to be away for a ridiculous amount of time.
Greg & Katheryn Blewett with children Rory, 1 & Sam, 2
Cricket wise Greg feels that Shield cricket has been undervalued with poor programming and hopes with the report into Australian cricket this will be rectified (personally won’t hold my breath, can’t see the greed being replaced with common sense, perfect example these bloody one-day and 20 games garbage when every player should have been playing Shield cricket to enter the Test series against India at full throttle, Geez our own players utter stupidity prevents us from being at full strength).
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Yea cracking article mate. You must nearly be as much a pain in the ass as me when you are on drink at sport lol. He hasnt under achieved at all. His life is great by the sounds. He is winning at life. The only thing that REALLY matters. Was always great to watch. Intelligent cricketer who could do a bit of everything. When on song with the bat he was as good to watch as anyone. So if you see him Mal tell him he hasnt under achieved at all. Played international cricket to the best he could play at the time. Provided wonderful entertainment and is married to a lovely woman and has a beautiful family. Tell him I would swap in a heartbeat lol. Great read mate.
I don’t know the breakdown of Blewey’s dismissals, but you get a hint of his future batting career with his slightly wafty driving at balls well piched up and wide outside off.
Love the pulls, tho.
Top article, Rulebook! I remember his debut test and century at the Adelaide Oval in 1995 as do most avid cricket followers. He batting square of the wicket was a delight to watch. Unfortunately swing bowling and that gap between bat and pad probably hindered him from being a regular during the halcyon days of Australian cricket. He was a terrific player for South Australia and a great captain. Still keeps in great nick too! I enjoyed reading this article because a feature story on his career was long overdue! Good work Rulebook.
Ripper RB. Blewett was a lovely player to watch. Thanks for the story. I always felt he was a top line batsman who maybe didn’t have the killer instinct of an S. Waugh. Should have played more Tests, but the first class record is very good.
Wonderful story, RB. Thanks for the memories.
Underachiever? Maybe in some ways. But he played 46 more Test matches than most people, and scored centuries in his first two Tests. His first class record is mighty.
Watching that innings makes you realise how much the shorter formats of the game have changed the way batsmen play. He was easy on the eye.
Really enjoyable read Malcolm. I too enjoyed watching Blewett’s pull shots with that South African partnership a real highlight. Should have played more test cricket.
Always a pleasure to read your profiles Rulebook. Blewey was indeed a joy to watch at the batting crease. A bloody good fielder too and a more than handy bowler. Blewey certainly wasn’t the only player to cross swords with selectors, Unfortunately, I believe he had so much more to offer but i congratulate him for standing his ground. The good thing is he is still contributing to the game he obviously loves so much. Keep up the good work Malcolm..
I certainly agree with your observations regarding meaningless limited overs cricket, and Twenty20 in particular, Malcolm. I refer to it as ADHD cricket, and flatly refuse to watch a single ball of it. Give me Test cricket, and by extension Sheffield Shield cricket, and day, or any 4 or 5 days of the week! Still, we have to bow and pray to the great cash cow, don’t we?
As usual mate good write up. Its great to get to “know” the people we have admired in what ever sport we follow. So many of the sports men and woman are good at more than one sport and once upon a time could play a summer and winter sport but now the season overlap and they have to make up their minds which they want to do. Sad really.
Good work Malcolm. Great all round cricketer. Always thought those 2 tons in his first 2 tests went un-heralded, so I’m glad you brought it up here. It was a magnificant achievement. I remember waking up for a slash at 3am one morning in ’97 and then wondering what the score in SAF was. I turned the radio on and it was the last ball of the day. I was astonished to hear that Waugh and Blewett had just batted out the whole day and the score was 4/479.
I also recall Blewett being in the side for some of those tests when we won 16 in a row circa 1999-2000, so he certainly had some great highs in his career.
Malcolm i’m quite curious about the father, Bob.
I’m old enough to recall the ructions/ruckus impacting on SA cricket late in the 1975-76 season. You chaps were playing the final shield games of the year, firstly @ the SCG against NSW,then off to the Gabba to play Queensland. Regular opener Rick Drewer was dropped for Bob Blewett, then there was talks of player strikes etc,though it all settled.
SA won the shield, Rick Drewer never returned to the side and Bob Blewett held a regular berth over the next few seasons.
Curious.
Glen!
Robert love your comment as will Blewy.Tony at times wafting outside the off stump at other times majestic and definitely a ferocious puller and hooker.Paul yes geez he is in great nick and thank you.Dips yes inclined to agree re killer instinct at times yes fantastic to watch when in full flight great 1st class record.Smokie well said.Keith great point couldn’t agree more.Charlie agreed.Gary again totally agree.Peter bloody cash cow yes couldn’t actually administer for the good of the game.Jill the old days of playing various sports are well and truly gone unfortunately.DB agree didn’t get the kudos the opening tons should have gilt edged sword re playing in such a strong era would walk in to the current side easily lot harder to get a game back then thanks folks
Great article Malcolm, I can remember years ago sitting alongside Bob and his wife, as our lads played South in a squad game and getting hammered. Bob was far from impressed with young Greg for wanting to take hangers all the while.
Outstanding article Malcolm – so much there and such a talented player! That shield final is one of my sporting highlights too – watching from the southern stand unable to even shift in my seat for fear it would jinx us.
Beautiful cricketer. So elegant. and balanced. Yeah, probably should’ve scored a few more.
Great article Rulebook. Greta player and great bloke always willing to have a chat and a beer and was a great role model at Prospect. Future head coach one day maybe?
Great read. Greg was a champion
Glen while Ian Chappell was not a selector it was agreed he would be consulted on selection,SA were chasing 340 odd,Ian batted nearly the whole day making 170 odd to condure a famous win
When the team was announced,Ian forcibly objected and said he hadn’t been consulted the selectors replied well you were batting,Ian replied how bout in a break they said didn’t want to upset your concentration
Ian felt Rick had been treated unfairly in that,SA had played,WA in successive games and Rick had struggled against a certain,DK Lillee not the 1st and certainly not the last so Ian withdrew from the eastern states tour on principle soon 9 players followed a lot happened behind the scenes with Ian telling the younger players such as Rick Darling and David Hookes to make themselves available.Bob Blewett to his immense credit offered to pull out,Ian told Bob it was nothing personal against him what so ever but Bobs selfless act caused
Ian to reconsider the rest of the players concurred and did the same before the deadline they had been given so the team which was originally selected toured
( Ian had also objected about 13 players being picked this hadn’t happened before either definitely a different era with full strength shield sides also )
Bleweys a legend always admired him and a good bloke too
Nice work, Rulebook. As a near contemporary (I wonder if he was in the same Barossa & Light SAPSASA cricket squad I was cut from) I thought I knew a fair bit about him, but I learned quite a bit from this piece.
John that is something I will stir,Blewy up about.Daddsy the last session of the shield final I was on the old hill at the river torrens end with T Shirt Bryson and definitely as nervous as I have ever been watching sport.
Andrew yes balance definitely a highlight,Blewy showed that when fielding also.Raj definitely a possibility certainly has the communication skills.Jason and James thank you.Mark interviewing some one you always find out a bit more about some one and rapt that Blewy is happy with the article he did say he was fully expecting the Norwood angle thanks folks
Can confirm DBs memory about his involvement in the streak. Played in the first 9 wins (one off in Zimbabwe, 3 against PAK, 3 against IND and the first 2 in NZ) opening the batting with Michael Slater. Was dumped for the 3rd test for Matt Hayden and never got back.
Could have easily played more 50 over games with his bowling being good enough to get through part of a bowler 5 set, but a strike rate in the low 60s was never going to cut it when other all rounders like Ian Harvey, Shane Lee and Brendon Julian were doing a similar job with the ball and were batting at 80+ SRs.
great article mate I really enjoyed reading it.
Magnificent write up Rulebook.
Was a huge fan of GS Blewett, loved the hook and pull shots, sadly have never been able to execute a Blewett like front foot pull shot like the great man did.
Always interested in the Ponting v Blewett golf debate, have heard several players from their era argue who was the better golfer on both sides. Would those 2 and Bradman be the three finest Australian Test cricketing golfers?
Very much think he was underutilised in ODI cricket. After some good form in 2002/03, I was very much of the opinion he should have been picked in our 2003 World Cup squad. Was really disappointed the selectors went with Andrew Symonds instead, who had done next to nothing that season. Turned out to be a very shrewd selection indeed.
YES, good memories, Rulebook. One of a too-small top echelon of SA cricketers, Greg Blewett’s contributions to SA cricket are right up there with those of D. Hookes, Darren Lehmann etc. Maybe only the admirable “Sounder” supersedes those guys statistically! (Peter Sleep’s contributions to SA over 15 years with bat AND ball are unmatched in my opinion). BUT back to Blewy… always worth going to watch him play, elite in the field, clever with his bowling for SA and Aust, and a super-talented bat. He played his best Tests early on on his career; maybe the better overseas Test bowlers worked him out over time & Blewy lost some confidence IMO. Certainly his brief stint with Yorkshire didn’t reflect his true ability. He remains an astute observer of SA sport. Sometime back he mentioned his concerns re the slipping standard of SA grade cricket, feeling that when he first batted in District A-Grade back in the late 80’s the standard was a lot higher than it was when he finished playing with Kensington some 15 or more years later. AND I think I read somewhere that one of his very young children is an aspiring golfer, correct??
Just one more quick comment, and not about Blewy. Rick Drewer gets a mention by you – I admired Rick as a batsman and was disappointed that he didn’t have a longer career for SA – he certainly kept the game moving as a short left-handed aggressive opener. He is still a frequent correspondent with the ‘Tiser, lives down near the Bay. A couple of years back I saw Rick Drewer drive into the northern carpark at Adelaide Oval where a shield match was on. He was bluntly informed by an attendant that there were ” no parking spots available”, even though the place was virtually empty! I certainly thought he deserved more respect as a member of a shield-winning team from 1975-76 I believe. Rick drove out pretty angrily & sure enough a letter appeared in the “Tiser a few days later!
Ta Rulebook.
Yes i got home, found the location of Chappell’s Last Stand, to read up about the issue. Yes Chappelli was batting against Victoria at the Adelaide Oval, on the way to a match winning 171. Both times that summer South Australia pipped Victoria. A close win at the ‘G’, the first time South Australia had won there in my lifetime. Wayne Prior did some damage on the final day.
In the return bout Victoria had a big lead, but collapsed in the second innings. I recall on the final day Alan Hurst bouncing Ashley Mallett, who threw his bat in disgust. South Australia home by 2 wickets. They went on to win the shield; we finished last.
Glen!
Great profile Malcolm. Lots in here.
I was lucky to be at Adelaide Oval for Blewey’s debut ton, and the noise and celebration when he got there was excellent. He was a beautiful bat.
Thanks.
Again a good read Mal and reckon a story on the “forgotten Waugh” would be a funny read also.
Great talent was Blewey. Not that i am a cricket nut but i think his achievements are right up there. Maybe Norwood flicked Blewey after the 2 under 17s games because he didn’t get a touch.
Mick yes lineball prob his bowling could have been utilized more in 1 day cricket but strike rate hard to argue with that.Riverboy thank you.Luke certainly those 2 prob the best,Blewy says it’s about even between the 2 sure there would have been other fine players over the years.I was exactly the same re Symonds but we know how that turned out definitely a win for the selectors.Tony yes Sounda a v v good player if Hooksey had believed in him his record would be even better and a amazing record in district cricket,SAs greatest ever.
and yep link is included re Sams golfing exploits.Adelaide city council and some of the parking inspectors over the years common sense sadly lacking is a understatement,Rick Drewer fine player huge similarities with
Alan Turner imo.Glen ahh the good old days as a Redback we are a long way away currently unfortunately.
Mickey yes it was bloody loud and certainly v joyous.Schmally heard a lot of stories about,Deano over the years personally just a v fleeting meeting don’t know him at all disappointingly.Aishy Blewy a better footballer than that thanks folks
Great article on a very talented cricketer. His best was very good and 46 Tests is a great achievement especially when you look at the depth of the batting in Australian first class cricket at the time. I would need to check but I suspect he was picked at times ahead of the likes of Justin Langer, Damien Martyn and Matthew Hayden.
So different to the present depth of Australian batting. No question that the decline in the status of Shield cricket is now damaging the batting of the Aussie Test side.
PS. Malcolm have you read Michael Sexton’s book Chappells Last Stand. It is very good on the 1975/76 South Australian Shield team covering every SA game and the background behind it and the characters they played against. Old style cricket and of course the day the entire team announced their retirement from first class cricket, before going on to win the shield. It was going to be Chappell’s last season of cricket and he in fact he did retire and play baseball the following summer before Kerry Packer lured him out of retirement.
Another good write up. Greg Blewett had a great innings in the cricket world.
Milts yes v strong era and Blewy and a lot of guns competing for spots these days he and Boof would be automatic selections well and truly and I must contact,Mike to buy the book amazingly I have never read it
I need to.Cameron yes and thank you
Good work Rulebook.
His debut at Adelaide Oval was a story in itself. McDermott was in hospital and Blewey was running out of batting partners FAST. At one point in the nineties he charged the bowler and had a wild swing (and a miss) and the whole crowd could sense the tension out in the middle.
Another aspect of the “only 46 Tests” needs perspective. It was during one of Australia’s greatest eras of cricket – a real turning point when Steve Waugh instilled such strong mental conviction into the team and introduced the notion of all players wearing the baggy green during the first fielding session. Tubby took over and the team got stronger on the international scoreboard. It was also an era when being a South Aussie meant getting picked for Australia was an “extra” feat – remember Hookesy first and then Lehman?
Great read mal he played in a era when cricket was so strong in Australia was hard enough to get any games he definitely never under achieved he did what some would hav loved to hav done cricket is so hard to crack only 11 can play for our country looking back spin was his nemmice but shit he played pace so well a great talent so smooth and silky Shaun Burgoyne of cricket thanks for sharing mal.
Nicely done Malcolm. When Greg was just out of school he played in the annual Chester Bennett Cup match at the St Peter’s Main Oval so I got to have a look at his batting from behind the stumps. You could see he was one of those who are a class apart (not all progress to Test cricket. and some who do, aren’t). I mentioned this to Chester after the game. Chester: “Yes Andy, he’s got time and a half hasn’t he.” BTW, out of the blue in this innings he lobbed the ball back off the leading edge; caught and bowled Sandy Jay. Keep up the good work RB.
Great write up Malcom and I must admit, it makes me reasonably horny as per. Big fan of Blewy, his cover could split an atom. Cheers
Wonderful article Malcolm, brings back many memories. Blewie’s comments re Sheffield Shield Cricket are spot on. For Australian Cricket to be healthy and dominate, we need to promote and schedule Shield Cricket, and place our Test summer as the highlight of the season. If these two interlocking facets are strong, strength will flow on to other formats at top levels. And, Cricket generally will be a positive and exciting facet of the Aussie sporting landscape, at all levels and ages, including regional competitions.
Back in the fifties a certain singer, Conway Twitty had a hit song titled “Lonely Blue Boy”. Not long after reading your article I listened it on You Tube – it’s still great. Perhaps he was singing about our Greg – but no, of course it was “Only Make Believe”. In the future a profile worth your consideration would be about former state opening batsman, Ashley Woodcock who worked with me in the Reserve Bank in ’66. Ash was, of course, a Redleg supporter and often went to the footy with me.
Another great read, a fantastic player and absolute legend
Nice work Rulebook. An elegant batsman during a very good period for Australian cricket. Obviously a gifted athlete with his golf prowess as well.
Keep up the good work.
Another well researched article with interesting personal anecdotes, Malcolm. Are there any famous footballers or cricketers that you don’t have a personal connection with?
Chris spot on as a south aussie batsman you were starting from a mile back re getting selected it is criminal the ridiculously small amount of test matches,Boof in particular played.Damian I like and agree re comparison with Shaun Burgoyne.Andrew yes the v good players always have time and stored in the memory bank re being dismissed by Sandy Jay.Sam love it.Greg yes the neglect and lack of respect re shield cricket is a subject in itself grrrrr.Gary thank you.Campbell thank you and happy birthday.Willow thank you.Martin it is Adelaide involved in sport heavily you tend to meat and have a involvement with most especially re cricket and yes a heavy biased redlegs flavour thanks folks
Cracking read Rulebook, Blewy one of my fav players…. great to watch, definitely underrated ….. I would have sworn he averaged a lot higher
Well done, Malcolm, nice to read about the man who is arguably South Australia’s last great batsman (it remains to be seen how Travis Head goes in the next few years). I remember Peter Herbert’s story about the time Bob Blewett was coaching East Torrens and Kim Hughes was batting in the nets. Bob was talking to someone on the straight drive and Greg, who was only about three or four years old, was standing nearby. Hughes absolutely smashed one straight past the bowler and it hit Greg on the leg and down he went. Bob looked across and said, “Don’t cry….”, and carried on talking. Hard man, was Robert……
What a fantastic, thorough and entertaining read. A very exciting player to watch; elegant, but with swagger.
Malcolm I first met Greg at Angaston in the Barossa. His dad used to run the Angaston branch, Bank SA. During my last year of primary school, Legend David Hookes came over for a coaching clinic for SAPSASA. I’ve practiced and played cricket with Blewey. I’ve scored 38 runs and he scored a 50! We caught up last season during the Ashes at the Adelaide Oval and reminiscing the good times we had back then
Thanks for the article Malcolm. A balanced and elegant player who l truly enjoyed bat. Appreciate the personal history of his junior years and the family background too. An enjoyable read. I get the feeling your wife won’t read the article though….
Nice article Rulebook. Blewy is a legend and was very inspiring to me at an impressionable age. His elegant style and the fact he was an SA boy in an increasingly dominant Australian side. I remember going for Australia A over Australia because of Blewy and also the love of an underdog.
Great read Mal and thanks for sharing some great experiences. Cheers
Very good mate. I`m not real interested in cricket but have watched a bit. I remember Greg being a great batsman though. SA has produced some wonderful sporting people in all kinds of sports.
Nice article . Really good to remember “Blu Boy” he is a great guy. What is really funny is that he has the same name as a soca singer in Trinindad Austin Lyons who grew up on the same street as I did. Blu Boy the Trinindad version changed his name later on to super blu but he is regarded as the greatest Soca artiste ever by most. Blu boy Austrailian version is the same age as I am so i know him well. Hats off to A really great guy.All the best in your golfing bro i too still play cricket at the second highest level in Trinidad, i feel its time to do some golfing however. lol….
Great read Malcolm Ashwood I was a young 12 year old and lucky enough to watch Greg’s 195 (red ink), his 3rd consecutive intercol ton that single handedly won the match (chased down about 350 I reckon)
Tony thank you.David caught up with Blewy yesterday he had a wry grin re your comment.Andy thank you.
Glenn good stuff.George yes likewise re Aust A thank you.Rook thanks mate.Jill thank you and you are inspiring keep fighting.Junior Francois Blewy was blown away re your comment thank you.David yes I have heard a fair bit from folks who were watching that dig they were in awe thanks folks
Just saw your recent link to this article lately. Very well researched and lots of great supplementary info RB.