Wally Grout, one of the finest keepers produced by Australia, was also known for his sense of humour. A live-wire behind the stumps and highly rated for his exemplary footwork, he effected 187 dismissals. When he retired from the game, Grout held the record for most number of dismissals by an Australian wicket-keeper. However, he wasn't exactly known for his batting prowess.

The Queenslander, took up wicket-keeping duties only when he played Grade cricket. With the legendary Don Tallon also keeping wickets for Queensland, it was tough for Grout to get into the state side. Even when Tallon was picked for the Test series against India, it was Doug Siggs, who was selected ahead of Grout, as Siggs was arguably the better batsman.

After going through the grind of First-Class cricket, it was only during the 1957-58 tour of South Africa, that Grout finally won a place in the Australian set-up. In his first Test in Johannesburg, he set a world record by pouching six catches. In the Ashes series that followed, he was again in fine touch behind the stumps and effected 20 dismissals.

In the Test series against Pakistan, Grout in the first game in Dhaka, gave a glimpse of his batting skills with a quick-fire 65 and helped Australia recover from a precarious position. When the Aussies toured India, he showed quick reflexes to stump Man Sood, while standing up to stumps to the pacer, Alan Davidson. In the epic Frank Worrell Trophy in 1960-61, Grout again was consistent. He ended the series with 23 victims to his name.

Grout was also known for his sportsman spirit. In the Test at Trent Bridge in 1964, Boycott drove a fuller length delivery from Neil Hawke to mid-on and set off for a run. Hawke though, in an attempt to field the ball, accidentally collided with Titmus. He even fired in the throw at the striker's end, but Grout refused to whip the bails off.

He retired from the game after the 1965-66 Ashes against England. Unfortunately, at the age of 41, Grout died from a heart-attack in 1967.

By Bharath Ramaraj