Vale Keith Bradshaw

Media release – Cricket Tasmania, 9 November 2021

Vale Keith Bradshaw

Today Cricket Tasmania wishes to acknowledge the life of South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) Chief Executive Officer, Keith Bradshaw, who passed away last night after a long battle with illness. He was 58.

Born and bred in Hobart, Keith represented Tasmania on 25 occasions at the first-class level and made nine List A appearances for his state of birth, before going on to have a storied career as a cricket administrator, most notably at the Marylebone Cricket Club in London, and most recently SACA.

Keith was a much-loved leader and cricket person.

Cricket Tasmania Chairman, Andrew Gaggin, said;

“I had the privilege of knowing Keith for over 40 years as a fellow student, opponent and in recent times, as an administrator. It would be hard to find anyone in Australian cricket more universally respected and admired. Becoming the first non-Englishman to hold the position of CEO at the Marlyebone Cricket Club, his foresight in revolutionising the Adelaide Oval, together with the now customary day-night Test are just some of his outstanding legacies. He will be missed for his astuteness, calm persona, values, intelligence and overall just being a great bloke.”

The Cricket Tasmania Board, staff, and the Tasmanian cricket community, would like to extend their condolences to Keith’s family, loved ones and SACA staff and players at this time.

The Tasmanian and South Australian teams will acknowledge Keith’s life and contribution to cricket at tomorrow’s Marsh Sheffield Shield match between the two sides, which commences at Blundstone Arena at 10.30am AEDT.

Statement – South Australian Cricket Association, 9 November 2021

A tribute from the Board and staff of The South Australian Cricket Association

Where do you start talking about a man who has had such a positive impact on so many people? Keith Bradshaw led a life rich with achievement, compassion, mentorship, outstanding stewardship and visionary leadership and in so doing he touched the lives of so many others along the way.

Born in Tasmania in 1963, Keith grew up with footy in the winter and cricket in the summer but ultimately it was cricket that won his heart.

A right-handed middle-order batsman, Keith played 25 games for Tasmania between 1984 and 1988, with his proudest moment coming in January 1986 when he was chosen in the Prime Minister’s XI – an achievement that saw him play under captain Allan Border alongside Test greats Steve Waugh, Merv Hughes, Greg Matthews and Tony Dodemaide.

However, Keith’s rise to prominence came not as a player but as a ground-breaking official.  After retiring from first class cricket to pursue his studies in commerce, Keith was working as a partner at Price Waterhouse and Deloitte when he received a game-changing call from a head-hunter.

He always recounted the conversation with a smile when the head-hunter, who had been charged with searching the globe for the best person to lead the MCC said, “not the Melbourne Cricket Club, it’s the Marylebone Cricket Club in London.”

After eight interviews over a five-month period, Keith won the committee over with his presentation and became the first non-Englishman to assume the prestigious role of secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the MCC, an achievement of which he was justifiably proud. The post came with a beautiful house next door to Lord’s, complete with his own personal gate to the ground. In an interview with Richard Earle of The Advertiser, Keith said “living behind the pavilion, the people you meet and having an office overlooking the hallowed turf was such a privilege”.

Keith loved his time at Lord’s, although he always felt compromised when the Ashes were on the line, often seen clapping vigorously for an Australian wicket or boundary, alongside his English guests in the MCC secretary’s box.  His love for his country never waned and so when the Chief Executive position came up at SACA in 2011, he realised the time was right to return to Australia. His desire to be home with family and to look after his brother, who has special needs, following the sudden death of his mother was a major consideration.

So, it was in November 2011, that Keith rekindled his love affair with Adelaide Oval, which as a player he considered his favorite, amidst memories of clean bowling David Hookes for 37 and spending two days in the field with Tasmania during the record 462 partnership of Hookes and Wayne Phillips.

Early in the role as SACA Chief Executive, Keith’s was instrumental in orchestrating the change in SACA’s mindset from being an association which ran Adelaide Oval to being a 50 per cent partner with the SANFL in an impressive, redeveloped stadium. When it officially opened in March 2013, he was focused on ensuring SA cricket prospered well into the future by setting long-term objectives that would underpin the growth of the sport, from grassroots to elite level.

One of the achievements of which Keith was most proud is the progression in the number of female players enjoying our great game, as supported by his decision to make Andrea McCauley’s role as coach of the Scorpions a full-time position and ensuring female participation became a key focus for the organisation.  Keith’s commitment was made clear by his decision to fly to Sydney for the Scorpions final, despite a scheduling clash with day three of the world’s first day-night Test match at the Adelaide Oval, a format he had pioneered. He was there to watch the Scorpions win their first Women’s National Cricket League championship in 2015-16, ending New South Wales 10-year domination, at the time claiming: “It was the most enjoyable day of cricket I have ever attended.”

As with any sport, there are triumphs and tribulations, but when it comes to latter Keith was always focused on defining solutions. Whilst disappointed not to secure any silverware with the Redbacks, after two Sheffield Shield finals in consecutive years, we know Keith will be with the boys in spirit as they look to improved results into the future under the charge of Jason Gillespie and a new direction Keith was involved in setting.

The success of the Big Bash is also set to continue, with the Adelaide Strikers setting the benchmark for match day colour and excitement during Keith’s tenure, as the most attended team in the competition. The New Year’s Eve clash at Adelaide Oval, followed by a spectacular concert and lighting show has become a much-loved tradition. The men’s and women’s teams have both played in winning finals.

The toughest day of Keith’s career with SACA came with the tragic on-field death of Phillip Hughes. Keith’s true leadership qualities shone through that devastating day, consoling and leading from the front. It wasn’t until he finished a media conference and had a quiet moment with a fellow staff member that, he let his emotions out. It was a great trait of Keith that he always put others ahead of himself. He was a true leader.

Keith’s lasting legacy in world cricket will always be the development of the pink ball and the stunning spectacle of day-night Test cricket. The world witnessed what Keith envisaged all those years earlier when Australia beat New Zealand in the first Test under lights at Adelaide Oval in November 2015. He always said the people would vote with their feet and this is exactly what happened. The first day-night Ashes clash delivered the highest single day and total match attendance in SACA’s history, beating the Bodyline Test of 1933.

There would not be a person who has met Keith and has not been impressed with his interest in others and his unwavering humility. He was known for walking along and talking to members lining up before a day at the Test, be that in Adelaide or during his time at Lord’s. The esteem in which he was held by MCC members was never more evident than during the Ashes Test at Lord’s in 2019 when members of an Adelaide touring party, wearing SACA shirts, were stopped by English fans asking about the health and wellbeing of Mr Bradshaw. And it was not one or two, but many. The same occurs with SACA Members when they call the Membership team and often say “ask Keith, he knows me from the line at the Test.”

During his time at Lord’s Keith considered himself fortunate to have hosted the Queen and Prince Phillip and spent time in the Royal Box at Wimbledon.  He also formed enduring relationships across the globe, with Michael Parkinson, Stephen Fry, David Gower, Sir Tim Rice, Sir Clive Lloyd and Sachin Tendulkar considered special friends. In fact, Sachin had the code to Keith’s security gates, so he was always certain of a good car park.

Ian McLachlan in a recent text message to Keith said, “I often think about our first telephone call and thinking about whether we could entice an MCC CEO to Adelaide, well it turned out to be the best decision SACA ever made.”

Keith’s illness, multiple myeloma, was diagnosed when he was in England 13 years ago. He approached his illness with the same courage and determination that is evident throughout his life, defying his early prognosis by more than double. You never heard him complain. He would step out of meetings and go into the Adelaide Oval medical room to receive chemotherapy treatment and then head back to the office. Most people would not have known what Keith was going through.

Keith has made such an impact on SACA in so many ways but clearly the most significant was transforming SACA into a supportive, inclusive family – a place where we all care for one another and look out for each other.  This is a direct result of his style of leadership, his caring nature and his love for his staff. And in return the SACA staff don’t just love Keith, they adore him.

SACA President Andrew Sinclair paid this tribute:

“Keith commenced as Chief Executive at the SACA in 2012 and he quickly gained trust and respect from all who dealt with him. The remarkable thing with Keith was how consistent that respect was expressed internationally and not just within cricket circles. Keith’s reputation preceded him and on arrival he delivered much for the SACA Membership of which many may not be aware. His ability to access international cricket contacts has enormously enhanced the SACA Membership experience over the past nearly 10 years.”

“He could be a tough negotiator when fighting for the SACA cause, yet always treating people with respect and commanding that from others.”

“His demeanor was one of quietly, efficiently and enthusiastically completing tasks assigned to him. He frequently talked of surrounding himself with a great team. That was in huge part due to his personable approach, leadership style and simply absolute decency to others. An extraordinary fighter through his considerable health challenges.”

Keith was awarded SACA Life Membership on June 22^nd this year whilst in hospital. He was presented the award from a vantage point overlooking Karen Rolton Oval where all of the SACA staff had gathered to be part of the occasion. He sent a message to staff afterwards saying how proud he was to receive the honour, saying he was most likely the first person to receive SACA life membership wearing shorts and ugg boots.

Keith always said, “I have had the pleasure to be in charge of the two greatest cricket grounds in the world.”

But, in reality, it’s the two greatest cricket grounds in the world who were fortunate to have Keith Bradshaw as part of their history.

In a lovely tribute to Keith, a SACA and MCC flag will be flying at half-mast above the Adelaide Oval scoreboard, a gesture being replicated at Lords.

Featured image above courtesy SACA.

Statement – Lord’s, 9 November 2021

KEITH BRADSHAW (1963 – 2021)

It is with great sadness that we learned overnight of the death of Keith Bradshaw, Secretary & Chief Executive of MCC from 2006 to 2011.

Keith was a popular and personable figure and he leaves a significant legacy at MCC. His time at the Club was characterised by a spirit of openness as he showed both MCC and Lord’s in a fresh light – welcoming and inclusive, with a desire to support and progress the game around the world.

A native Tasmanian, Keith returned to Australia in 2011, becoming Chief Executive of the South Australian Cricket Association. He remained in that role until his death and the SACA and MCC flags are being flown at half-mast at the Adelaide Oval and at Lord’s as we remember him.

Our thoughts are with Keith’s family and colleagues in Australia at this sad time.

Obituary – Cricket Australia, 9 November 2021

by Andrew Ramsey

Cricket mourns loss of pioneer Keith Bradshaw

Keith Bradshaw was at his best when taking the game on.

Having represented Tasmania in an era so bereft of success that none of his 24 Sheffield Shield appearances yielded a win, he was integrally involved in his team reaching the final of the 1986-87 interstate one-day competition with a bold cameo innings against an all-internationals WA attack.

Upon retiring from cricket to pursue corporate life, Bradshaw became the first Australian to occupy the secretary’s office at the world’s most prestigious cricket entity – the Lord’s-based Marylebone Cricket Club – where he set about turning centuries of painstaking evolution into dynamic revolution.

And when family drew him back to Australia, he brought with him the pioneering vision he had cultivated in London and oversaw the birth of day-night Test cricket which has since been embraced around the world.

But there was one adversary he could not outwit; one fight that proved beyond his seemingly inexhaustible resources.

And the multiple myeloma he’d battled across countless skirmishes since it was first diagnosed while living in the UK in 2008 claimed his life on Monday night.

“His demeanour was one of quietly, efficiently and enthusiastically completing tasks assigned to him,” said SACA President Andrew Sinclair.

“He frequently talked of surrounding himself with a great team. That was in huge part due to his personable approach, leadership style and simply absolute decency to others.

“An extraordinary fighter through his considerable health challenges.”

Bradshaw crammed more into his 58 years of cricket playing and officialdom than many in his field of endeavour managed in a full lifetime, yet he was always too focused on the next project to bask in achievement.

A competent middle-order bat and occasional bowler, he seemed bound for a bountiful playing career when he posted a pair of half-centuries against New South Wales – boasting Pakistan hero Imran Khan among their bowlers – in his rookie first-class season.

However, despite peeling off a maiden century against Queensland (featuring Jeff Thomson) a week later, he was unable to maintain that early promise and lost his place in the Tasmania line-up immediately after his one and only Shield match as captain in 1987.

The on-field high point of Bradshaw’s career came in Perth that same summer when his 37 off 30 balls lifted Tasmania to a dramatic last-gasp semi-final win over WA, thereby giving them hosting rights for the final of the then McDonald’s Cup, which South Australia comfortably won the following month.

He scored just eight from as many balls faced in Tasmania’s 86-run defeat in the decider, and liked to joke his contribution to SA cricket effectively began that day at Hobart’s TCA Ground.

Having accepted (at age 24) he was more likely to wield influence in business than with bat or ball, Bradshaw completed his degree at University of Tasmania and took up positions with big accounting firms Price Waterhouse and Deloitte, being promoted to partner at the latter.

In 2006, a friend involved in global recruitment in Australia mentioned the MCC was hunting a replacement for retiring secretary-chief executive Roger Knight and suggested Bradshaw might consider applying.

The Tasmanian’s only cricket experiences in the UK were a season spent playing second XI cricket for Sussex and an earlier stint in the Lancashire League, during which he made his only previous visit to Lord’s – as a spectator to watch Australia get thumped in a one-day international against England.

“We didn’t have a lot of money, so we grabbed a few hours’ sleep in the car before the game,” Bradshaw would recall of that day, adding the awe he felt walking into the historic venue at St John’s Wood never dimmed.

On his next visit, two decades later, he arrived in suit and tie for a job interview where he was buoyed to learn the famously self-absorbed club was not averse to appointing a leader from outside the UK.

Bradshaw began his tenure as the MCC’s 14th secretary on October 1, 2006 – a day before he turned 43 – and soon earned a reputation in staid English cricket circles for his unstinting energy and inclusive vision.

He championed the introduction of day-night first-class cricket played with pink balls and oversaw the installation of floodlights at Lord’s, dragging the venerable ‘Home of Cricket’ into the 21st Century.

Complementary to that development was the MCC’s decision to move the English season’s traditional curtain-raiser – in which the Club would play host to the previous summer’s county champion – to the UAE where it would be successfully staged under lights.

It was a decision that underscored one of Bradshaw’s other professional ambitions – to broaden the game’s global reach and promote greater opportunities for international cricket’s developing teams.

He also laid out the MCC’s rarely used welcome as Lord’s hosted a neutral Test between Australia and Pakistan in 2010 when the latter’s domestic security situation prevented them staging matches at home, and extended the offer to other cricket nations facing similar strife.

And through promotion of the MCC’s Spirit of Cricket ethos and the funding of development programs in expansion markets such as Afghanistan, the MCC gained kudos as an influential voice within cricket and Bradshaw’s role grew increasingly significant.

As a member of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) by dint of his MCC role, Bradshaw was a key player in the decision to remove men’s team coach Duncan Fletcher following England’s disastrous 2006-07 Ashes campaign in Australia and the equally ignominious World Cup effort that followed.

The following year, Bradshaw was first diagnosed with the myeloma he would spend more than a decade trying to outrun.

It did not prevent him from pushing for major changes in his dual role at the MCC, most notably an ambitious £400m plan called ‘The Vision’ that would have increased Lord’s seating capacity and added apartment developments along with cafés and public walkways to enhance its year-round usage.

However, that plan along with the proposal for a franchise-style T20 tournament in the UK (in response to the birth of the Indian Premier League) he drove with Surrey chairman David Stewart remained unrealised and Bradshaw announced in 2011 he was returning to Australia.

In the wake of his mother’s death and his father suffering ill-health in Tasmania, Bradshaw took up the post of SA Cricket Association chief executive – an organisation similarly steeped in Lord’s-like history and conservatism – at a time when Adelaide Oval was undergoing its most profound change.

Amid his regular bouts of chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, Bradshaw guided the SACA’s integration to the world-class stadium Adelaide Oval has become and successfully brought his vision for day-night Test cricket to Australia.

In 2015, Adelaide hosted the historic first pink-ball Test between Australia and New Zealand and the day-night fixture has since earned a regular berth in the summer calendar in much the same way as Boxing Day belongs to Melbourne and New Year is celebrated at the SCG.

The new stadium’s drop-in pitch – decried by many a traditionalist – has proved the nation’s most sporting first-class surface, and Bradshaw continued to support innovations including the introduction of four-day Test matches.

“Keith’s contribution to cricket in Australia and the UK cannot be understated,” said Cricket Australia Chair Richard Freudenstein. “His legacy is an ongoing testament to a lifetime of achievement in the game.

“His great skill as a cricket administrator was to be an innovator yet appreciate and understand the importance of tradition.

“He had the clearest of vision when it came to strategy and yet the lightest of touch when it came to empowering his staff to carry it out.”

As the global COVID-19 pandemic delivered an existential threat to sporting organisations last year, Bradshaw found himself fighting a two-front war as the multiple myeloma aggressively returned.

After bouts of hospitalisation over the preceding year, he revealed via a SACA statement on June 16 he was taking indefinite sick leave to battle the cancer that had spread to his spine and brain and robbed him of his ability to walk.

Despite his brave vow to win the fight and return to work, Keith Bradshaw died on Monday, November 8.

He is survived by his much-loved fiancée Helen and children, Juliet, Eliza, Donald, Jack and son-in-law Patrick.

A celebration of Bradshaw’s life will be held at the Adelaide Oval in the coming week, with details to be announced.