Robert Wickham Anderson

2 October 1948 – 31 May 2025

Robert Anderson, affectionately known to all as “Jumbo”, was some cricketer!

He came from good cricketing stock with father, Mac Anderson, a Canterbury and New Zealand opening batsman. Jumbo’s skills were further honed at Christchurch Boys’ High School (1962-66) where he played in their 1^st XI; probably their most famous which included the much-feared schoolboy bowling trio of Dayle Hadlee, Dave Trist and Alan Hounsell. All were to play at some level for New Zealand. He was also in the famed 1^st XV where he played at fullback and no.8. In addition, he was a serious scratch golfer.

Upon leaving secondary school, Jumbo entered the insurance game which sure him move around New Zealand.

His first-class career began with his selection in 1967-68 season in a strong Canterbury team which included Graham Dowling, Dick Motz, Brian Hastings and John Ward.

He then moved to Whangarei where he was selected for Northern Districts (1969-70) before moving to Invercargill the next season where he established himself as one of New Zealand’s great Hawke Cup players. Jumbo’s run-scoring feats were legendary, and he was central to South land holding that historic trophy for 20 defences. That era included such well-known players as Jack Alabaster, Gren Alabaster, Brian McKechnie and Graeme Thomson.

He played first class cricket for Otago from 1971- 1977 before transferring to Palmerston North where he represented Central Districts from 1977 to 1981-82. He also played Hawke Cup for Manawatu from 1977-1983.

He played 111 first class matches and scored 5609 runs (8 centuries, 28 fifties). He was named Player of the Year in the NZC Almanack of 1978.

Jumbo’s international career was relatively short given his abundant ability.

He played 9 Tests in 1977-1978. These were against Pakistan and England. He scored 423 runs at 23.5 and included 3 fifties. Included in these Tests was that famous win against England at the Basin Reserve.

He generally batted in the upper order at 3 or 4 but developed successfully as an opening batsman, often by necessity. Jumbo was a very stylish batsman full of aggression and attractive strokes. He would prowl the crease as he looked to dominate the opposition’s bowling attack and, once in, Jumbo was very hard to bowl at.

He was a formidable and fearless competitor but something of a genial giant off the field.

He was well-liked wherever he played. He was of strong opinions often expressed with his quick wit and humour. He was central in any social group and that broad beaming smile made for good company.

Article added: Monday 09 June 2025 - Thanks to Mike Fisher for writing