Bill Lawry biography, retired, former cricketer, pigeons, family, voice, net worth

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<p><a href="/biography/bill-lawry">William Morris Lawry</a> was born on February 11, 1937, in Thornbury, Victoria, Australia. His father had also played cricket before retiring at the age of 51. Lawry attended Preston Technical School and began playing cricket at the age of nine. During his school years, he represented the school team and, in 1949 at the age of 12, joined Northcote Cricket Club’s fourth team. By the age of 16, he had advanced to Northcote’s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_XI">First XI</a>.</p>

<h2>Early State and National Career</h2>
<p>At 18, Lawry began his professional career, joining the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_cricket_team">Victoria</a> team and making his first-class debut against Western Australia during the 1955–56 season. He played regularly throughout the 1956–57 season and soon after earned a place on the Australian national cricket team. In 1959, he participated in all ten matches during Australia’s tour of the Indian subcontinent, further solidifying his reputation as an emerging talent in international cricket.</p>

<h2>The 1961 Breakthrough and Rise to the Ashes</h2>
<p>Lawry’s breakthrough came during the 1960–61 season with an outstanding performance against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground. His consistency led to his selection for the Ashes tour of England in 1961. That same year, he was named captain of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_cricket_team">Victoria</a> team for the 1961–62 season. The following summer, he made his Test debut during the Ashes series at the Gabba in Brisbane.</p>

<h2>Peak Years and Test Success</h2>
<p>Lawry excelled in the 1965–66 Ashes series, accumulating 592 runs, a testament to his reliability at the top of the batting order. He capped off the season with a strong performance for Northcote in the Victorian final. However, the peak of his career was followed by challenges. In 1966–67, Australia toured South Africa and lost the five-Test series 3–1. Lawry managed a string of successful performances during the 1967–68 home series against India, leading Australia to consecutive victories.</p>

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<h2>Australian Cricket Captain</h2>
<p>Following his success as a player, Lawry was appointed captain of the Australian national team. Under his leadership, the team toured India in 1969–70 and secured a historic series victory—their first in India in 35 years. He also led <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_cricket_team">Victoria</a> to success in the domestic competition, though his tenure as captain was ultimately marked by growing tensions within the team and modest results during the 1970–71 Ashes series at home.</p>

<p>During that series, Australia drew several matches, and Lawry was controversially removed from the captaincy before the final Test. The decision effectively ended his international career. He played one final season with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_cricket_team">Victoria</a> before retiring from first-class cricket in 1972.</p>

<h2>Broadcasting Career and Later Life</h2>
<p>After retiring from cricket, Bill Lawry transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a commentator for Channel Nine. Known for his enthusiastic and idiosyncratic commentary style, he brought insight and energy to the coverage of major cricket events. Later, he also held an administrative role with the Victorian Cricket Association.</p>

<p>Lawry continues to reside in Australia, dividing his time between Sydney and Melbourne. Outside of cricket, he enjoys singing and is an avid pigeon breeder, a hobby he has pursued for many years. His exact net worth remains undisclosed, but his enduring presence in cricket through media work confirms his lasting impact on the sport.</p>

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