Greg Dyer
{{short description|Australian cricketer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2012}}
{{Infobox cricketer
| name = Greg Dyer
| country = Australia
| fullname = Gregory Charles Dyer
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1959|3|16}}
| birth_place = Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
| death_date =
| death_place =
| batting = Right-handed
| bowling =
| role = Wicket-keeper
| international = true
| testdebutdate = 12 December
| testdebutyear = 1986
| testdebutagainst = England
| testcap = 339
| lasttestdate = 12 February
| lasttestyear = 1988
| lasttestagainst = Sri Lanka
| odidebutdate = 24 September
| odidebutyear = 1986
| odidebutagainst = India
| odicap = 94
| lastodidate = 4 February
| lastodiyear = 1988
| lastodiagainst = England
| club1 = New South Wales
| year1 = {{nowrap|1983/84–1988/89}}
| hidedeliveries = true
| columns = 4
| column1 = Test
| matches1 = 6
| runs1 = 131
| bat avg1 = 21.83
| 100s/50s1 = 0/1
| top score1 = 60
| catches/stumpings1= 22/2
| column2 = ODI
| matches2 = 23
| runs2 = 174
| bat avg2 = 15.81
| 100s/50s2 = 0/0
| top score2 = 45*
| catches/stumpings2= 24/4
| column3 = FC
| matches3 = 51
| runs3 = 1,671
| bat avg3 = 28.81
| 100s/50s3 = 1/10
| top score3 = 106
| catches/stumpings3= 123/18
| column4 = LA
| matches4 = 45
| runs4 = 408
| bat avg4 = 20.40
| 100s/50s4 = 0/1
| top score4 = 52*
| catches/stumpings4= 39/9
|medaltemplates=
{{MedalSport|Men's Cricket}}
{{MedalCountry|{{AUS}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|ICC Cricket World Cup}}
{{Medal|W|1987 India and Pakistan|}}
| source = https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1/1853/1853.html CricketArchive
| date = 14 January
| year = 2013
}}
Gregory Charles Dyer (born 16 March 1959) is a former New South Wales and Australian wicketkeeper. Dyer played in six Tests and 23 ODIs from 1986 to 1988, including playing in the victorious 1987 World Cup Final. He toured India in 1986 as a back-up keeper.
Dyer replaced Tim Zoehrer for only a few Tests as his international career was cut short by the emergence of Ian Healy, along with a controversial incident in a Test match against New Zealand in 1987–88. Dyer claimed to have "caught" New Zealand batsman Andrew Jones who was duly given out, although television replays showed the ball had touched the ground before being caught by Dyer.{{Citation | last = Grant | first = Trevor | title = Row breaks out over Dyer's catch that wasn't | publisher = The Age | date = 28 December 1987 | url =https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1300&dat=19871228&id=tLZWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UOkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3277,1938017 | access-date = 31 January 2015}} He was subsequently dropped from the team two matches later and retired from first-class cricket shortly thereafter.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/greg-dyer-the-world-cup-winner-whose-career-ended-following-a-fraudulent-claim-24090|title=Greg Dyer: World Cup winner whose career ended following a fraudulent claim|date=16 March 2013 |language=en-us|access-date=2016-07-23}}
He shares an Australian One Day International 7th-wicket partnership record with Steve Waugh.
In 2011, Dyer became the president of the Australian Cricketers' Association.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/533546.html|title=Dyer takes over as ACA president|access-date=2016-07-23}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/543621.html|title='Miss this opportunity and it'll put cricket back five years'|access-date=2016-07-23}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/how-greg-dyer-did-himself-out-of-a-job-with-the-icc-20151222-gltf9g.html|title=How Greg Dyer did himself out of a job with the ICC|last=Hanlon|first=Peter|date=2015-12-25|website=The Age|access-date=2016-07-23}}
Career
Dyer played for NSW and Australian Under 19 sides, and for NSW colts.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126166647 |title=Rain ends NSW's chance |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=55 |issue=16,531 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=30 December 1980 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=14 |via=National Library of Australia}} He became New South Wales' preferred back up keeper for Steve Rixon when Rixon was injured or was busy on international duty. Notably, Dyer played several games in 1984-85 when NSW won the Sheffield Shield.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122502649 |title=Injuries dog Test players |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=59 |issue=18,062 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=12 March 1985 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=22 |via=National Library of Australia}}
When Rixon signed to tour in South Africa, Dyer became New South Wales' first choice wicketkeeper. He was a crucial part of the side which won the Shield again in 1985–86.
=1986 tour of India=
Australia's wicketkeeper over the 1985-86 summer was Wayne Phillips, but his form dropped away and Tim Zoehrer was appointed in his place. Dyer was unofficially announced next in line when selected as a reserve keeper on the 1986 tour to India.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131701203 |title=Phillips discarded as selectors go for a 'keeper |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=60 |issue=18,474 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=1 May 1986 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=30 |via=National Library of Australia}}
Dyer performed strongly in tour games but Zoehrer was first choice keeper for the three Test matches.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131839259 |title=Test selectors play a waiting game |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=61 |issue=18,614 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=18 September 1986 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=22 |via=National Library of Australia}}
He played in some one day games, making his ODI debut in the third game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-india-1986-87-61426/india-vs-australia-3rd-odi-64287/full-scorecard|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 3rd ODI 1986/87 - Score Report |website=ESPNcricinfo.com|access-date=17 November 2021}} In the fourth ODI he came to the wicket when Australia was 6-136 and he and Steve Waugh put on a 102 run stand off 76 balls.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118266789 |title=Wiley Indians one-day masters |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=61 |issue=18,629 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=3 October 1986 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=24 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-india-1986-87-61426/india-vs-australia-4th-odi-64288/full-scorecard|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 4th ODI 1986/87 - Score Report |website=ESPNcricinfo.com|access-date=17 November 2021}} He played in the 5th{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-india-1986-87-61426/india-vs-australia-5th-odi-64289/full-scorecard|title=Full Scorecard of India vs Australia 5th ODI 1986/87 - Score Report |website=ESPNcricinfo.com|access-date=17 November 2021}} and 6th ODI.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-india-1986-87-61426/india-vs-australia-6th-odi-64290/full-scorecard|title=Full Scorecard of India vs Australia 6th ODI 1986/87 - Score Report|website=ESPNcricinfo.com|access-date=17 November 2021}}
Dyer also scored a century against Delhi in a tour game.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118268674 |title=Dyer and Gilbert hit centuries |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=61 |issue=18,639 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=13 October 1986 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=21 |via=National Library of Australia}}
=1986-87 Test debut=
Dyer made his Test debut during the third Test of the 1986-87 Ashes when Zoehrer was injured.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130634480 |title=Spinner set to carry Test drinks |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=61 |issue=18,698 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=12 December 1986 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=24 |via=National Library of Australia}} Dyer broke his nose during the game but kept playing.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130635439 |title=Dyer plays on with reset broken nose |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=61 |issue=18,703 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=17 December 1986 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=42 |via=National Library of Australia}} He was not required to bat in the game, which was a run-heavy draw.{{Cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/16779/scorecard/63446/Australia-vs-England-3rd-Test-england-tour-of-australia-1986-87/ |title=3rd Test, England tour of Australia at Adelaide, Dec 12-16 1986 | Match Summary | ESPNCricinfo |access-date=22 November 2017 |archive-date=29 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129093818/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/16779/scorecard/63446/Australia-vs-England-3rd-Test-england-tour-of-australia-1986-87/ |url-status=dead }}
Zoehrer's aggressive on field behaviour over the summer was causing media controversy and Dyer was increasingly spoken of as a more viable option.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118116941 |title=Zoehrer defended by Border |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=61 |issue=18,749 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=2 February 1987 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}} After the 1987 tour to Sharjah, Zoehrer was omitted from the squad to tour India for the World Cup; he was replaced by Dyer.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118297644 |title=Times Sport |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=61 |issue=18,880 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=13 June 1987 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=9 (TIMES JOBS) |via=National Library of Australia}}
=1987 World Cup=
Dyer was a key part of the Australian team which won the 1987 World Cup.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122114186 |title=Border makes plans to quit |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=62 |issue=19,029 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=10 November 1987 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=20 |via=National Library of Australia}}
Following this triumph, Dyer was appointed captain of NSW for the 1987–88 season.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122109056 |title=TIMES Sport Pakistan blazes way to semis |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=62 |issue=19,009 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=21 October 1987 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=42 |via=National Library of Australia}}
=1987-88 summer=
Dyer began the 1987-88 summer as Australia's first choice keeper as they took on New Zealand. In the first Test, Dyer took six catches and scored 8 runs with the bat, as Australia earned a then-rare victory.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-tour-of-australia-1987-88-62088/australia-vs-new-zealand-1st-test-63473/full-scorecard|title=Full Scorecard of New Zealand vs Australia 1st Test 1987/88 - Score Report |website=ESPNcricinfo.com|access-date=17 November 2021}} In the second Test, a draw, Dyer scored 60.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-tour-of-australia-1987-88-62088/australia-vs-new-zealand-2nd-test-63474/full-scorecard|title=Full Scorecard of New Zealand vs Australia 2nd Test 1987/88 - Score Report |website=ESPNcricinfo.com|access-date=17 November 2021}}
==Catching controversy==
In the third Test, New Zealand were 1-119 when Dyer claimed a catch off Andrew Jones from the bowling of Craig McDermott. TV replays showed that Dyer had fumbled the ball.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122418265 |title=Sunday Sport McDERIMOTT TO RESCUE |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=62 |issue=19,075 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=27 December 1987 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=6 (Sunday Sport) |via=National Library of Australia}} This decision later proved extremely costly for New Zealand because Australia only just narrowly escaped with a draw in the game. (Dyer scored 21 and 4 with the bat.){{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-tour-of-australia-1987-88-62088/australia-vs-new-zealand-3rd-test-63475/full-scorecard|title=Full Scorecard of New Zealand vs Australia 3rd Test 1987/88 - Score Report |website=ESPNcricinfo.com|access-date=17 November 2021}}
"Dyer has to live with his conscience for the rest of his life – no way can I blame the umpires," said New Zealand's cricket manager.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122418350 |title=War of words rages on over disputed catch |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=62 |issue=19,076 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=28 December 1987 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=1 |via=National Library of Australia}}
Dyer later made a statement saying:
I have not commented earlier because I was in the middle of a Test match and was trying to concentrate on it and also because I, and the Australian team management, felt it would have been inappropriate to comment on umpiring decisions... Given that the ball initially hit my left glove and ended in my right glove, I made a gesture of query to the umpires. However, I honestly believed at the time of the incident, as did my captain and my teammates, that the ball had not touched the ground. One angle of slow motion TV replay apparently indicates that the ball had in fact touched the ground. In the circumstances I can understand Andrew Jones being upset, but I would like Andrew, along with all other interested parties, to know that I acted in good faith.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122418968 |title=TIMES Sport Tail does Border proud |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=62 |issue=19,079 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=31 December 1987 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}
Australian captain Allan Border said, "I had no doubt whatsoever it was taken and I got a shock later when I saw the replays. Greg was very upset."
Dyer kept his spot in the side for the one-off Bicentennial Test between Australia and England in February 1988. Dyer took three catches and scored a duck in a drawn game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-australia-1987-88-61722/australia-vs-england-only-test-63476/full-scorecard|title=Full Scorecard of England vs Australia Only Test 1987/88 - Score Report |website=ESPNcricinfo.com|access-date=17 November 2021}} His last Test for Australia was the one-off Test against Sri Lanka. Dyer took six catches and scored 38 in a comfortable Australian win.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-australia-1987-88-61606/australia-vs-sri-lanka-only-test-63480/full-scorecard|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs Sri Lanka Only Test 1987/88 - Score Report|website=ESPNcricinfo.com|access-date=17 November 2021}}
=Dropped from Australian team=
New South Wales finished third at the end of the season under Dyer's leadership. In March 1988, Dyer was dropped from the Australian side to tour Pakistan that winter in favour of Ian Healy. This was considered a shock selection at the time because Healy was relatively inexperienced at first class level.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article102076122 |title=Dyer dropped from tour squad |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=62 |issue=19,171 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=1 April 1988 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=20 |via=National Library of Australia}}
He was reappointed captain of NSW for the 1988-89 summer.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101988981 |title=Dyer reappointed to NSW captaincy |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=62 |issue=19,245 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=15 June 1988 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=48 |via=National Library of Australia}} He was sacked mid season, replaced as wicketkeeper by Phil Emery and as captain by Geoff Lawson.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120904957 |title=Dyer dropped from Shield team |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=63 |issue=19,461 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=18 January 1989 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=48 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122275172 |title=India splits over board's decision on six players |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=63 |issue=19,663 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=9 August 1989 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=38 |via=National Library of Australia}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Cricinfo|id=4996}}
{{Australia Squad 1987 Cricket World Cup}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dyer, Greg}}
Category:Australia One Day International cricketers
Category:Australia Test cricketers
Category:Australian cricketers
Category:Cricketers from Sydney
Category:Cricketers at the 1987 Cricket World Cup