Gavin Stevens had just broken into the Australian side when he contracted the hepatitis which brought an abrupt end to a promising international career. A broad-shouldered opening batsman, weight of runs scored for South Australia in 1957-58 and 1958-59 forced the selectors to pick him for the tour of Pakistan and India in 1959-60. In 1957-58 he made three Sheffield Shield hundreds in succession, and the following summer scored 951 runs. He made his debut in the third Test against Pakistan at Lahore, and kept his place for all three matches in India but never reproduced his state form. By the last match he was clearly unwell, and was hospitalised in Madras. Although he made a full recovery, he never played first-class cricket again.
Martin Williamson