Peter Toohey - born on this day in 1954.

Joe Maiorana | April 20, 2023

Peter Toohey was one of the cricketers who came to the fore when the bulk of Australia's top cricketers defected to Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket. During his prime playing years in the Australian Test team, some media commentators referred to Toohey as "Australia's master batsman", such was Toohey's pivotal role in the Australian team during the absence of the World Series players.

When the World Series Cricket players returned to mainstream Test cricket in 1979–80, Toohey only played two more Tests, both in the summer of 1979–80. He retired from cricket and now works in the financial sector in Brisbane.

Peter was born in Blayney, NSW and played cricket for St Stanislaus' College in Bathurst, NSW. He toured NZ with Western Districts Colts and played for NSW Schoolboys before his first-class debut for NSW against QLD in 1974–75.

During the 1977–78 season, defections to World Series Cricket saw opportunities open for Australian cricketers. Toohey was selected for the first Test against India and played all five Tests that series.

He was one of the standout performers on the 1978 tour of the West Indies.

Toohey was dropped from the Australian side during the 1978–79 Ashes.

He was overlooked for the 1979 tour to India.

Toohey's form declined during the 1983–84 season and he was dropped from the NSW side. He eventually retired from first class cricket in May 1984.

Peter Michael Toohey was born on this day in 1954