Greg Ritchie
{{short description|Australian cricketer}}
{{Distinguish|text = American former baseball player and coach Gregg Ritchie}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2012}}
{{Infobox cricketer
| name = Greg Ritchie
| image =
| fullname = Gregory Michael Ritchie
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1960|1|23|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Stanthorpe, Queensland
| country = Australia
| batting = Right-handed
| bowling = Right-arm medium
| international = true
| testdebutdate = 22 September
| testdebutyear = 1982
| testdebutagainst = Pakistan
| testcap = 315
| lasttestdate = 10 January
| lasttestyear = 1987
| lasttestagainst = England
| odidebutdate = 8 October
| odidebutyear = 1982
| odidebutagainst = Pakistan
| odicap = 68
| lastodidate = 5 April
| lastodiyear = 1987
| lastodiagainst = India
| club1 = Queensland
| year1 = {{nowrap|1980/81–1991/92}}
| columns = 2
| column1 = Test
| matches1 = 30
| runs1 = 1,690
| bat avg1 = 35.20
| 100s/50s1 = 3/7
| top score1 = 146
| deliveries1 = 6
| wickets1 = 0
| bowl avg1 = –
| fivefor1 = –
| tenfor1 = –
| best bowling1 = –
| catches/stumpings1 = 14/–
| column2 = ODI
| matches2 = 44
| runs2 = 959
| bat avg2 = 27.39
| 100s/50s2 = 0/6
| top score2 = 84
| deliveries2 = –
| wickets2 = –
| bowl avg2 = –
| fivefor2 = –
| tenfor2 = –
| best bowling2 = –
| catches/stumpings2 = 9/–
| date = 12 December
| year = 2005
| source = http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/7358.html CricInfo
}}
Gregory Michael Ritchie (born 23 January 1960) is a former Australian international cricketer who played in 30 Tests matches and 44 One Day Internationals between 1982 and 1987.
Ritchie played for Queensland between 1980 and 1992. He scored 10,170 runs in his first class cricket career at an average of 44.21 including 24 centuries and 54 fifties. In the year 2000 he was named as one of the seven greatest Sheffield Shield run scorers in Queensland history for amassing over 6,000 runs for his state.{{Cite web |url=http://celebrityspeakers.com.au/brspeaker_bio.asp?Speaker_Index_Text=384 |title=Celebrity Speakers.com-Greg Ritchie |access-date=4 October 2010 |archive-date=2 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002032017/http://www.celebrityspeakers.com.au/brspeaker_bio.asp?Speaker_Index_Text=384 |url-status=dead }}
International career
Ritchie was affectionately known as "Fat Cat" due to his burly build. He was selected for Australia's 1982-83 tour of Pakistan as a middle-order batsman replacement for Greg Chappell. He scored his first century, 106 not out, in his second Test at Faisalabad. He was unable to force his way into the Australia side over the 1982–83 and 1983-84 summers but was picked on the 1984 tours of the West Indies and India and made the Australian side over the 1984-85 summer. He was a fixture in the middle order between 1985 and 1987 that included the 1985 The Ashes tour to England, where he scored his highest score 146 at Nottingham, the 1986 tours of New Zealand and India, and the 1986-87 England tour of Australia.
He was famously referred to by Allan Border at the 1986 Madras Tied Test versus India. Batsman Dean Jones was contemplating going off "retired ill" after vomiting at the crease and Border suggested that "a tough Queenslander" (Ritchie) could hack the conditions instead. Jones stayed on and scored a double century.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}
Career
Ritchie made his first class debut in 1980–81, playing for Queensland against Victoria. He batted once, scoring 7.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/40/40691.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} However he impressed in his third match, a tour game against New Zealand, where his second innings 47 helped save the game.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/40/40723.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126159021 |title=Queensland bats on for draw. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=18 November 1980 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=26 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He then made 74 against South Australia{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/40/40798.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126164025 |title=TEST, SHEFFIELD SHIELD, INTERNATIONAL AND CANBERRA CRICKET REPORTS. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=14 December 1980 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=6 Section: SPORT |publisher=National Library of Australia}} and an innings of 75 against the touring Indians saw him discussed as a potential future test player.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126166291 |title=TOURISTS Ritchie impressive against Indians. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=28 December 1980 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=6 Section: SPORT |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/40/40829.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} He followed this up with his debut first class century, 140 against Victoria.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/40/40975.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125654749 |title=SHEFFIELD SHIELD Ritchie, 140no, saviour in Queensland's need. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=27 February 1981 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=16 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie impressed again during the 1981–82 season with 55 and 71 against the touring West Indies, then the best team in the world.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/41/41855.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126865321 |title=W. Indians leading by 374. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=14 December 1981 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126865180 |title=TOUR MATCH W. Indies declare after 200 not out. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=13 December 1981 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=22 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} 126 and 103 against South Australia saw him discussed again as a test candidate.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/41/41868.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126866525 |title=CRICKET Greg Ritchie shines for Queensland. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=19 December 1981 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=40 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/41/41919.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
Towards the end of the summer he was placed on stand by for Kim Hughes in Australia's one day team.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126874200 |title=CRICKET Lillee 'bouncer' for Hughes. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=26 January 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He did not play in the end.
Ritchie was overlooked for the Australian tour to New Zealand in early 1982. However a century against Tasmania{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126880412 |title=Partnership sets record. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=23 February 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/42/42074.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} helped ensure his selection on the 1982 tour to Pakistan. Ritchie finished the season with 839 first class runs in ten games at an average of 59.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1/1688/f_Batting_by_Season.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
=1982 Tour of Pakistan=
The leading batsmen on the tour were Kim Hughes, Allan Border, Bruce Laird, John Dyson and Graeme Wood. Ritchie and Wayne Phillips were the two young batsmen. "They will be given every opportunity for the tests", said Hughes.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126887664 |title=CRICKET. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=3 August 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
59 against the Pakistan Cricket Board XI impressed and Ritchie was picked to make his test debut.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/42/42892.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116470559 |title=CRICKET Ritchie hits form for Australia. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=17 September 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=20 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116471401 |title=CRICKET Ritchie in line for first Test cap. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=22 September 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=40 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He scored 4 and 17.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/42/42895.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116471555 |title= CRICKET Daunting task for Australia. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=23 September 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=30 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} During the game he threw a stone at an umpire to demonstrate what was being thrown at him from the crowd.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116472017 |title=CRICKET Australia in fightback to stay alive. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=25 September 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=44 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie kept his spot in the side for the second test, although there was some talk he would be replaced by Peter Sleep.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116472963 |title=CRICKET Yardley ill, Sleep may be named. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=30 September 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=28 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} His maiden test century was the one bright spot of Australia's defeat.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116474092 |title=CRICKET Second Test defeat. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=6 October 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=38 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/42/42898.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} However he failed twice in the third test, making 26 and 18.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/42/42911.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
Ritchie was hit by projectiles while fielding at third man during the 3rd ODI, which was abandoned.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116477540 |title=Burnt. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=24 October 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=24 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie kept his place in the Australian team to play England in the first test.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130827054 |title=CRICKET Chappell captain, Hookes makes it. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=5 November 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} However also in the twelve was David Hookes who was in very good form. Despite 67 and 46 against Tasmania,{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/42/42933.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} Ritchie was made 12th man for the first test.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130828675 |title=Chappell confident. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=12 November 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=22 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Ritchie was picked in the side for the second test but was again made twelfth man.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130831256 |title=CRICKET Wessels, Thomson in injury-hit side. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=23 November 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=24 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He was not picked in the squad for the remainder of the summer.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130834978 |title=CRICKET Another chance for Border. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=8 December 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=42 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
That summer was a disappointing one for Ritchie, despite 55 against Victoria.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130830674 |title=Queensland setting Victoria big task. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=21 November 1982 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=31 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He was unable to force his way into the Australian test or one day sides, and was overlooked for selection on the tour to Sri Lanka. However he was picked in a Young Australian side to tour Zimbabwe.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116371545 |title=CRICKET In-form Yallop gains tour place. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=3 March 1983 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=26 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie played well on the Zimbabwe tour, scoring 69 against Zimbabwe.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/43/43343.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116377186 |title=Big task for Zimbabweans. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=4 April 1983 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=12 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie undertook a fitness campaign over the winter and lost several kilos. He began the 1983–84 summer brilliantly scoring 196 for Queensland against the touring Pakistan side.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/44/44118.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116413549 |title=CRICKET Ritchie hits 196 off Pakistan. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=22 October 1983 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=48 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He followed this with four half centuries, and at one stage his first class run tally for the season was 451 at an average of 112.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116399355 |title=Queensland piles on the agony. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=4 December 1983 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=29 Edition: SUNDAY EDITION |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He then scored centuries against Victoria{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/44/44224.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116400651 |title=Century by Ritchie rocks Victorians. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=11 December 1983 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=28 Edition: SUNDAY EDITION |publisher=National Library of Australia}} and NSW.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116383643 |title=Second fine Ritchie innings. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=9 January 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=14 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
"My motto now is runs first; and lunch later", Ritchie said. "I think my winter fitness campaign is paying off. I'm more confident and I think my approach to the game is more mature... Now I put more value on my wicket and try to make the bowlers work hard for it."{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116383674 |title=Ritchie changes to diet of runs. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=10 January 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
He was selected in the Prime Ministers XI and got back in the Australian one day team. He was also selected for the 1984 tour of the West Indies.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116389807 |title=Ritchie confident of touring West Indies. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=13 February 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=14 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Ritchie was injured towards the end of the summer and there was some doubt he might make the tour but he recovered in time.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116390033 |title=WEST INDIES CRICKET TOUR Smith and Ritchie cleared to go. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=14 February 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=20 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie played in all five tests. He started the tour well with 64 against Guyana.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/44/44491.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
His best performance came in the first when he scored 78.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article124994165 |title=Last-wicket Test highlight Hogan, Hogg save the day. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=5 March 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=16 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/44/44504.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} He also made 57 in the third test.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/44/44551.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
One notable incident on the tour had Ritchie and Wayne Phillips miss the beginning of a tour game because they slept in.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116391303 |title=CRICKET Phillips and Ritchie late for match. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=21 February 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=20 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He scored 99 against Barbados.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/44/44548.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article124999146 |title=CRICKET Australian batsmen mix good with bad against Barbados. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=26 March 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=19 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie was selected on the short one-day-international tour of India.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127214577 |title=Surprises in Australian cricket contract list and squad for India tour Hookes, Matthews dropped. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=17 July 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He made 59 in the last game, the only one Ritchie played.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136920402 |title=CRICKET Another win in India. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=7 October 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=1 Section: SPORT |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie started the 1985-85 summer with a century against Victoria for Queensland.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136924404 |title=Qld seems a safe bet. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=28 October 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=7 Section: SPORT |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/45/45315.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} However he was overlooked for the first two tests against the West Indies.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122526991 |title=CRICKET. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=6 November 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He was put on stand-by for the third test as a possible back up for Allan Border, who was injured – but in the end he managed to play.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122532560 |title=First Border sqiad looks 'too familiar'. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=5 December 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie replaced Kim Hughes for the fifth test.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122536559 |title=Avoiding whitewash a relief, says Border. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=28 December 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He was injured while batting but managed to complete his innings of 37.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122537052 |title=Australian fortunes change at last. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=31 December 1984 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=21 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122476002 |title=Wessels hoists the flag and keeps it flying. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=1 January 1985 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=14 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/45/45466.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
Ritchie was picked in the Australian one day team.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122476564 |title=O'Donnell named in WSC squad. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=4 January 1985 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He was also selected to tour England in 1985.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122504539 |title=Australian tour squad. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=21 March 1985 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=28 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie also batted in the famous 1984/85 Sheffield Shield final, narrowly lost by Queensland against New South Wales.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/45/45733.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
Ritchie began the Ashes well with 72 in the first tour game,{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127007969 |title=Thomson's Dace and fire. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=7 May 1985 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=21 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} 100 against Sussex.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/45/45878.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} and 115 against Leicestershire.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46000.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
He was picked in the first test. He scored 46 in the first innings but dropped Tim Robinson when the latter was on 22; Robinson went on to score a century.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122516386 |title=CRICKET Robinson hits his century. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=16 June 1985 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=23 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} "Ritchie is Australia's greatest liability in the field, whether in a catching position or in the deep", said one reporter.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122516625 |title=Times Sport CRICKET Australia's bowling in need of new life and variety. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=17 June 1985 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=27 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He scored 1 in the second innings.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46035.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
Ritchie redeemed himself in the second test, his first innings score of 94 helping lay the platform for an Australian victory.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127205794 |title=Border gives his side its chance. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=1 July 1985 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=28 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He went on to score a century in the third test.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127208647 |title=Wood's 10-hour marathon. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=16 July 1985 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=22 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46111.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} He took part in an partnership with Border in the 4th test that helped secure a draw.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122521030 |title=Times Sport CRICKET: FOURTH TEST. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=7 August 1985 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=38 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46295.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
Australia went on to lose the last two tests disastrously. However Ritchie was one of the few Australians to show fight – his second innings score of 20 off 102 balls almost helped Australia save the game.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46352.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} In the last test he made 64 in the first innings.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46409.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128252627 |title=...and goodbye to them. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=1 September 1985 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=1 Section: SPORT |publisher=National Library of Australia}} In between the games he made 155 against Kent.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46382.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
At the end of the tour, Allan Border said that Ritchie and Craig McDermott were the only players who could be really happy with their performances.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128253250 |title=Border says his team lacked staying power. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=4 September 1985 |access-date=8 November 2015 |page=45 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie started the 1985–86 season well with 86 against Victoria{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46532.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132373155 |title=Border belts his record to 171no. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=21 October 1985 |access-date=9 November 2015 |page=26 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} and kept his place for the first test against New Zealand. He failed twice in Australia's defeat, but was kept on for the second test.
Ritchie's batting in the first innings, a score of 89, was crucial for a rare Australian win.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127540045 |title=No innings defeat Australia 5-175 in reply to NZ's 293. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=24 November 1985 |access-date=9 November 2015 |page=25 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46634.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} He made a fighting 44 in the third test, which Australia lost.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46664.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118176101 |title=Australian escapists upstage Houdini A fight for a slim chance. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=4 December 1985 |access-date=9 November 2015 |page=48 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie scored his first test century on Australian soil with 128 against India in Adelaide.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46687.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118178990 |title=Ritchie's first home century. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=15 December 1985 |access-date=9 November 2015 |page=1 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} However he injured himself moving timber at his Brisbane home and was unable to play in the second test; his place was taken by Steve Waugh.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118181605 |title=Australians in a spin. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=27 December 1985 |access-date=9 November 2015 |page=22 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie was initially picked in Australia's one day squad over the summer and scored a match winning 68 against New Zealand.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122420971 |title=Australians on winning streak. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=15 January 1986 |access-date=9 November 2015 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |publisher=National Library of Australia}} However his form faded away and he was omitted from the squad after suffering a groin injury.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122423387 |title=Apologies, then changes. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=28 January 1986 |access-date=9 November 2015 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Nonetheless, he kept his place in the Australian team for the tour to New Zealand.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122423891 |title=Phillips loses custody. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=31 January 1986 |access-date=9 November 2015 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie arrived in New Zealand with the Australian squad in February 1986.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118205016 |title=Touring side arrives in Auckland Australia in NZ to win: Border. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=14 February 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=22 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He was injured during training after being hit on the toe from a ball by Craig McDermott.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118205250 |title=Injuries worry Australians Ritchie hurt at practice. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=15 February 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=14 Section: Section D |publisher=National Library of Australia}} However he scored 66 not out in Australia's victory over Auckland.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118205613 |title=Australia cruises to victory in NZ. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=16 February 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=26 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie batted well in the first test, scoring 92 and taking part in a 213 run partnership with Greg Matthews.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46935.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118207019 |title=Ritchie, Matthews capitalise on 104 opening stand Australia grips Test chance. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=22 February 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=14 Section: Section D |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118207239 |title=Magnificent 130 tightens Australia's grip on Test Matthews egged on. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=23 February 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=19 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
He failed in the second test{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46954.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} and scored 80 in a tour game.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46980.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118106208 |title=Tourists approach Test with a draw. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=11 March 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=22 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Ritchie scored 56 in the third test but failed in the second innings as Australia crashed to another defeat.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/46/46993.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118106971 |title=Matthews puts NZ in a spin. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=15 March 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=12 Section: POSITIONS VACANT |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
In the one day series that followed, Ritchie took part in a 90-ball 100 run partnership with Greg Matthews in the final game.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118110047 |title=Rabbitoh rampage!. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=30 March 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=1 Section: SPORT |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie then went to Sharjah for a short tour by an Australian team led by Ray Bright.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118195650 |title=Jones looking for runs in Sharjah. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=5 April 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=12 Section: Section D |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie was selected in the squad to tour India.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131701203 |title=Phillips discarded as selectors go for a 'keeper. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=1 May 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=30 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He made a duck in the first game but scored 125 off 124 balls opening against Bombay{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/47/47819.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131836719 |title=Ritchie clubs quick ton. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=4 September 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=22 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} and 95 against Young India.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/47/47849.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131838666 |title=Davis in doubt for first Test. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=15 September 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=22 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
In the famous second tied test, Ritchie made 13 and 28.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/47/47866.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}} He didn't bat in the second test and made 31 in the third.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/47/47911.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
In the third one-day international, Ritchie scored 75 off 53 balls.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131840441 |title=Ritchie shines before deluge ends cricket. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=25 September 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=20 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie was picked in the Australian side for the first test of the Ashes that summer.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130626202 |title=Test berth for Merv Hughes. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=6 November 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=28 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He scored 41 and 45.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/47/47959.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130629259 |title=Opener makes fine effort to save Australia. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=19 November 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=46 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
He made 141 against Victoria{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/47/47984.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130630018 |title=Border's toss turns the tide. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=22 November 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=28 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} and made 33 and 24 off 139 balls in the second test.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/48/48003.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130632057 |title=84 runs needed to avoid follow-on Border again left to shoulder load. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=1 December 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=22 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} The third test saw Ritchie make 34 and 46 not out in the second innings, helping draw the game.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130635445 |title=Border wants 13-man squad. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=17 December 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=42 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/48/48055.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
Ritchie was then left out of the Australian one day side{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130636973 |title=One-day spots for Bishop, Whitney. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=24 December 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} and was made 12th man for the fourth test so Australia could play an extra bowler.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130637409 |title=Australians made into bunnies by Botham. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=27 December 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=8 Section: Section B |publisher=National Library of Australia}} (Allan Border later said he wanted Ritchie to play but was overruled by the selectors.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130637840 |title=Border numb after Ashes capitulation. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=29 December 1986 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}})
Ritchie was picked in the squad for the fifth test and asked Allan Border if he could open with Geoff Marsh.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119474067 |title=Ritchie asks for opener's job. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=9 January 1987 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Border agreed but Ritchie only scored 8 and 13.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/48/48174.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119474543 |title=Grim struggle for Aussies. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=11 January 1987 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=21 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie was not picked in the Australian one day squad.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119475477 |title=Wellham likely to open. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=16 January 1987 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He made 96 against Tasmania and was back in the squad.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/48/48207.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119478053 |title=Reid to face fitness test this morning. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=28 January 1987 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=38 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He earned selection on the tour to Sharjah.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118121120 |title=Dropped by state, Sharjah berth a boon. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=25 February 1987 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=38 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} However he was omitted from the World Cup squad.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118297644 |title=Times Sport. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=13 June 1987 |access-date=10 November 2015 |page=9 Section: TIMES JOBS |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie was unable to force his way back into the Australian team. He broke a long century drought in January 1988 with 100 against New South Wales.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/49/49468.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101967514 |title=Ritchie: It felt good. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=4 January 1988 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=20 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} That summer he also undertook a promotional walk while injured.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101973581 |title=Charity walk ends in wagon. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=1 February 1988 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=8 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie was involved in an incident on a domestic flight on the way to playing WA for the Sheffield Shield final when then-Queensland-teammate Ian Botham assaulted a fellow passenger.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101982781 |title=Botham in trouble over Perth flight. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=17 March 1988 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=1 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He was summonsed to appear in front of a Perth Magistrate for offensive behaviour.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101984014 |title=Summons for Greg Ritchie. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=23 March 1988 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Botham pleaded guilty to a similar change but Ritchie pleaded not guilty.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101984268 |title=Botham fined $800. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=24 March 1988 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=3 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} The charge was then dismissed.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101989772 |title=Complaint against Ritchie arose from flight Charge dismissed. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=18 June 1988 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=10 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Queensland lost the final to WA.{{Cite web|title=The Home of CricketArchive|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/49/49746.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=cricketarchive.com}}
In 1988-89 Ritchie was appointed Queensland vice captain, and led the side on a number of occasions.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article102035805 |title=TIMES Sport. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=4 December 1988 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} He scored 114 in an FAI Cup match against Victoria{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120911884 |title=Queensland's hero does the talking. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=20 February 1989 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=24 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} and his innings of 60 in the Cup Final was crucial in helping Queensland win.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120917605 |title=Qld crushes Victoria in FAI final. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=20 March 1989 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=24 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
His form was so good there was some talk Ritchie might make the 1989 Ashes squad. "I think it's not really up to me to give an opinion," he said. "It's like me saying 'you've done a good job as a journo, how do you rate your promotion prospects?' — you're not going to answer that... [But] I'm playing better cricket than I ever have before. This season I've gone out to simply enjoy the game and I don't really care about selections. In the past I've put too much pressure on myself and I've always felt like I had to perform to keep getting selected."{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120914005 |title=ACB may decide Shield finalists |newspaper=The Canberra Times |volume=63 |issue=19,503 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=2 March 1989 |access-date=6 March 2016 |page=24 |via=National Library of Australia}}
Allan Border stood down as Queensland captain at the beginning of the 1989/90 season in favour of Ritchie. "I've, been fortunate enough to have played under the best captains around. in A. B. [Border] and Greg Chappell, and hopefully I can draw on those experiences", said Ritchie.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120855609 |title=TIMES SPORT Border gives top Qld post to Ritchie. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=26 September 1989 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=24 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Highlights of the summer included 123 against the touring Pakistan side{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120871369 |title=Imran 'sin bins' crafty Qadir. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=9 January 1990 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=18 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} and 213 against South Australia.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120884437 |title=Threat to Qld's hopes to host Sheffield final. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=12 March 1990 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=23 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Queensland made the Sheffield Shield final but lost to NSW.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120888079 |title=Matthews and Taylor combine to bury Qld. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=26 March 1990 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=24 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120888501 |title=Qld scuttled by 'Captain Invincible'. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=28 March 1990 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=44 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Ritchie enjoyed a lot of success with the bat making 928 first class runs at an average of 54.
In 1990 there were reports of moves to remove Ritchie as Queensland captain.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120895157 |title=IN BRIEF Under-19s play NSW in semi-finals. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=28 June 1990 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=22 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Ritchie wound up retiring from cricket.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122294756 |title=QCA trying to stop Ritchie's retiring. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=4 July 1990 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=38 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Moves were made to get Ritchie to come back to the side by new coach Jeff Thomson and QCA chief executive Barry Richards.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122298138 |title='Thorno' to help regain Ritchie. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=18 July 1990 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=40 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122306846 |title=Hick signing seen as lure to recall Ritchie. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=26 August 1990 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=14 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}
Ritchie returned to first class cricket at the beginning of the 1991–92 season.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134159183 |title=Lightning wicket promises run blitz. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=12 October 1991 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=47 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} After a slow start to the season he scored a century against Western Australia.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118164773 |title=Ritchie's century saves Old innings. |newspaper=The Canberra Times |date=18 January 1992 |access-date=11 November 2015 |page=10 Section: Saturday Magazine |publisher=National Library of Australia}} Ritchie then retired again, this time for good.
After cricket
Ritchie was well known outside cricket as an after-dinner speaker and a travel agent. He also had a successful post-cricket media career. Wearing Blackface, he played a comedy character, a supposed Punjabi Sikh called Mahatma Cote, on Channel Nine's The Footy Show as well as other sports radio comedy chat segments.{{Cite web|last=Barrett|first=Chris|date=2012-11-11|title='If they take offence that's their choice:' Greg Ritchie defends accusations of racism|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/if-they-take-offence-thats-their-choice-greg-ritchie-defends-accusations-of-racism-20121111-2963p.html|access-date=2020-06-16|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}} From 2001 to 2004, he was a host for the Triple M Brisbane breakfast show.{{cite web |title=Greg "Fat Cat" Ritchie's Biography |url=https://www.platinumspeakers.com.au/speaker/greg-fat-cat-ritchie/ |access-date=21 January 2024 |website=Platinum Speakers and Entertainers}}
Ritchie has several existing business interests in the United States and Australia and currently{{When|date=June 2020}} is seen regularly as a commentator on PGAtour.com.[http://www.eventrics.com/greg.html Greg Ritchie-Eventrics.com]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}[http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/from-test-star-to-mahatma-to-trouble/2008/05/14/1210764953180.html From Test star, to Mahatma, to trouble Melbourne Age – 15 May 2008]
Controversies
In 1997, Ritchie was involved in a homophobic incident with Ansett Australia staff before and during a flight which he was subsequently removed from. He was forced to publicly apologise for the incident and is believed to have lost his regular media appearances on the Nine Network.
In 2006, Ritchie was involved in another in-flight incident. The [https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/ex-test-star-warned-after-flight-fracas-20061128-gdoxed.html former cricketer was detained by the US Department of Homeland Security] after a drunken incident on board a flight to Florida to visit then girlfriend Rachel Hetherington. Despite being arrested for 'inappropriate behaviour' and detained for suspicion of interference with crew which was a Federal Offence, he was let off with a warning and not prevented from entering the country in the future.
In 2012, Ritchie caused controversy over racist and Islamophobic comments at a luncheon during the First Test between Australia and South Africa at the Adelaide Oval;{{cite web |title=Ritchie falls from favour after 'racist' lunch speech |date=2012-11-11 |website=The Age |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621164959/https://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/ritchie-falls-from-favour-after-racist-lunch-speech-20121111-296dt.html |archive-date=2021-06-21 |url-status=live |url=http://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/ritchie-falls-from-favour-after-racist-lunch-speech-20121111-296dt.html}} after South African team officials complained (the team contained four Muslim and two black African players), Ritchie was effectively banned by Cricket Australia from functions for the rest of the 2012–13 season.[http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/cricket-australia-acts-to-ban-greg-ritchie/story-e6frg7mf-1226515108058 Ritchie banned from functions for racist comments]
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{ESPNcricinfo|id=7358}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ritchie, Greg}}
Category:Australia One Day International cricketers
Category:Australia Test cricketers
Category:Queensland cricketers
Category:Australian cricketers
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Category:Cricketers from Queensland
Category:Queensland cricket captains