Peter Toohey

Peter Toohey was arguably Australia's most impactful batsman during the years when World Series ate into their batting stocks. As a result, the handful of ODIs and few Tests that he played happened during this period. The Test career started in style with twin fifties against India at home while the tour to West Indies that followed also saw Toohey in sublime touch. A middle order batsman who relied mostly on timing than brute force, his strokeplay was often a sight to behold when in full flight. He also had steely nerves and plenty of grit, as proven by that West Indies tour where a fiery Andy Roberts bouncer smashed his face but he recovered to come back in style during the same series, nearly producing twin tons in a game.

The 1978-79 Ashes series saw Toohey being exposed like never before. The uncompromising English attack discovered chinks in his armor and were relentless in exploiting it. His form hit a new low and was dropped midway through the series. He played a Test against West Indies after the Ashes before being axed from the side. Over the next few years, his form dipped even in the domestic circuit and after running out patience, the selectors dropped him in the 1983-84 season. Realizing that the end was near, Toohey decided to quit from all forms of the game after the end of the season, in May 1984.

By Hariprasad Sadanandan