Former Australian 'mystery' spinner John Gleeson passes away at 78

Former Australia cricketer John Gleeson has died at the age of 78 in Tamworth, New South Wales.

Gleeson, who was Australia's 242nd Test cricketer, played 29 Tests for Australia between 1967 and 1972.

"We were deeply saddened to hear of John's passing and are truly appreciative of his contribution to the game, which, beyond his distinguished playing career, included time as an administrator with World Series Cricket," news.com.au quoted Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland as saying.

Sutherland said that as a cricketer, the mystery spinner would be remembered as someone who played for his country at the highest level and, with his unique skill and had the ability to regularly dumbfound the best batsmen in any team.

"John captured the imagination of cricket fans everywhere as he bamboozled batsmen with his odd bowling grip, borrowed from another mystery Australian spinner, Jack Iverson," he added.

The Cricket Australia CEO further said Gleeson captured the imagination of cricket fans everywhere as he bamboozled batsmen with his odd bowling grip, borrowed from another mystery Australian spinner, Jack Iverson.

Born on March 14, 1938, New South Wales, Gleeson made his debut for Australia in the 1967/68 Test series against India and finished with 93 Test wickets in 29 matches he played at an average of 36.20.

Gleeson also claimed 430 first-class wickets at an average of 24.95 in a 116-match career between 1966 and 1975, predominantly for New South Wales.

His first class career came to an end at the SCG against Victoria in January 1973.