An able middle order batsman who later on also became the pitch director of the Sydney Cricket Ground, Ned Gregory's cricketing career was rather short. He barely played any first-class games and appeared in just a solitary Test match. Being born in a cricketing family that produced a whopping number of cricketers, Ned had all the opportunities in that regard but couldn't make it big in his professional career. His brothers all tasted success while his son Syd had a distinguished career for Australia and in the first-class circuit as well. Being a non-performer as a cricketer didn't dampen Ned's spirits as he followed his passion for the game by being a curator at the SCG. The first proper scoreboard at the venue was his contribution, a rather priceless one at that. At the age of 59, Ned passed away at his home that was situated really close to the ground.

By Hariprasad Sadanandan