Mr Coates says Alan Davidson AM MBE was not only one of Australia’s finest pace bowlers, he was a great ally of the Olympic movement and a great friend.

“The tributes to Alan have been heartfelt and much deserved. He was a champion man as well as a champion sportsman.

“His record in cricket was extraordinary, but the Olympic movement also owes Alan a great debt. Whether that was through his fundraising efforts with the NSW Olympic Team Appeal, travelling to regional NSW raising money at clubs or through his Chairmanship of the Rothmans National Sports Foundation.

“Through his work with the Foundation, Alan ensured there was money for coaching and the development of coaches in so many Olympic and other sports. In my own sport of rowing, this funding brought to Australia the great Reinhold Batschi, who transformed Australian rowing as the inaugural National Coaching Director.

“From a personal perspective I will miss Alan enormously. He has been a lifetime friend who gave me my first piece of advice in sports administration. I was ten years old when he told me I’d never play cricket for Australia but I could usefully contribute if I became secretary of the St John’s cricket team in the Sydney suburb of West Strathfield, where I played with his sons.

“His wonderful wife Betty, son Neil and all members of the family have my greatest sympathy. We have lost a great Australian,” Mr Coates concluded.