A talented dual-sport athlete who excelled in both cricket and rugby, earning recognition for his impressive skills on the pitch and field.
Alby Roberts, a New Zealand cricketing icon, is best known for his exceptional skills as a batsman and all-rounder, playing in five Test matches between 1930 and 1937. With a career spanning over a decade, Roberts made his mark in the cricketing world, impressing audiences with his remarkable batting averages and impressive wicket-taking abilities.
Alby Roberts made his first-class debut in the 1927-28 season at the age of 18, playing for Canterbury as a middle-order batsman. His impressive start to his cricketing career earned him a spot in New Zealand's first Test match.
Roberts' exceptional form continued in the 1930-31 season, where he scored his first century against Wellington, helping his team secure a 139-run victory. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the Plunket Shield season, where he scored 378 runs at an average of 75.60, including a remarkable 181 against Wellington.
Roberts' partnership with Curly Page set a new record for any wicket in the Plunket Shield. The duo added 278 runs in 220 minutes, showcasing their exceptional batting skills.
Roberts played in both Tests against South Africa at the end of the 1931-32 season, scoring 54 in the First Test. He also played rugby union for Canterbury, showcasing his athletic prowess.
In 1933, Roberts played as a professional for Church in the Lancashire League, scoring 615 runs and taking 59 wickets. This experience helped him develop his all-rounding skills, which he brought back to New Zealand cricket.
Roberts continued to impress in the 1935-36 season, playing in three non-Test matches against the touring MCC side. He toured England in 1937, where he led the batting averages with 142 runs at 47.33 and took seven wickets at 29.85.
Alby Roberts passed away on May 13, 1978, but his legacy lives on in the cricketing world. He will always be remembered as a cricketing great, whose impressive skills and achievements continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
Roberts' remarkable cricketing career is a shining example of his passion, hard work, and dedication to the sport. He remains an iconic figure in New Zealand cricket, and his achievements continue to be celebrated by cricket enthusiasts around the world.
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