James Kelly was a prolific wicketkeeper who served Australia for nearly a decade with distinction. He was agile and sharp behind the stumps while also having the ability to contribute valuable runs with the bat. He could produce the big knocks too - as his three FC tons showed but couldn't quite replicate that in international cricket. The man from Victoria represented New South Wales in Shield cricket and within a couple of years of his domestic debut, he got drafted into the Australian Test squad and since his arrival, he remained the preferred gloveman for Australia for a long time until tragedy struck. An incident during the Test match against England at Old Trafford saw him getting a blow just above his chest, and the consequent reports from the medical staff advised him to let go of the sport. It was a difficult decision for Kelly but he had no other options.

By Hariprasad Sadanandan