Eric Freeman (cricketer)


Eric "Fritzy" Freeman is a former Australian cricketer who played in 11 Tests from 1968 to 1970. He was also a leading Australian rules footballer with Port Adelaide Football Club being fourth in the clubs all time goalkickers.
He played cricket for South Australia from 1964–65 to 1973–74. He toured with Australian teams to New Zealand in 1966–67, England in 1968, and India and South Africa in 1969–70. His only first-class century was 116 for the Australians against Northamptonshire in 1968, scored in 90 minutes with five sixes and 13 fours. His best bowling figures were 8 for 47 for South Australia against the New Zealand team in 1967–68.
Eric Freeman was the first batsman in test history to get off the mark in his test career by scoring a six. Up to date, only 5 batsmen have achieved that feat in test cricket.
Following his retirement from playing, Freeman was a commentator and statistician on cricket and football for ABC Radio in Adelaide until his retirement in 2010.
In the 2002 Queen's Birthday Honours Freeman was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for "service to sport, particularly cricket as a player, administrator and commentator".