Cricketer (fast bowler), New Zealand
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Key moments and achievements from Robert Blair's life.
Robert was born
· Cheshire, England, United Kingdom
Debut
Blair made his first-class debut for Wellington in December 1951 and quickly established himself as the leader of the province's pace attack.
Debut
Blair made his first-class debut for Wellington in December 1951 and quickly established himself as the leader of the province's pace attack.
Role
He earned his first Test cap for New Zealand against South Africa, beginning an international career that would span 19 Tests over more than a decade.
Role
He earned his first Test cap for New Zealand against South Africa, beginning an international career that would span 19 Tests over more than a decade.
Match
Days after his fiancee Nerissa Love was killed in the Tangiwai rail disaster, the 21-year-old Blair walked out to bat with Bert Sutcliffe at Ellis Park, adding 33 for the last wicket in a celebrated display of composure under grief.
Match
Days after his fiancee Nerissa Love was killed in the Tangiwai rail disaster, the 21-year-old Blair walked out to bat with Bert Sutcliffe at Ellis Park, adding 33 for the last wicket in a celebrated display of composure under grief.
Milestone
In the 1956-57 season Blair took 46 wickets in just five matches at under ten runs apiece, twice claiming nine wickets in an innings, the finest run of his first-class career.
Milestone
In the 1956-57 season Blair took 46 wickets in just five matches at under ten runs apiece, twice claiming nine wickets in an innings, the finest run of his first-class career.
Milestone
Blair closed out his international career against South Africa, taking seven for 142 in his final Test season for New Zealand.
Milestone
Blair closed out his international career against South Africa, taking seven for 142 in his final Test season for New Zealand.
Marriage
More than three decades after the Tangiwai tragedy, Blair married Barbara and settled into a long life in Cheshire after a coaching career that took him across several countries.
Marriage
More than three decades after the Tangiwai tragedy, Blair married Barbara and settled into a long life in Cheshire after a coaching career that took him across several countries.
Legacy
The Tangiwai Shield was created to commemorate the bond forged between New Zealand and South Africa in 1953, awarded to the winner of Test series between the two nations.
Legacy
The Tangiwai Shield was created to commemorate the bond forged between New Zealand and South Africa in 1953, awarded to the winner of Test series between the two nations.
Robert Blair passed away
