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Richard Chee Quee
Richard Chee Quee
from Wikipedia

Richard Chee Quee (born 4 January 1971) is an Australian former first-class cricketer.

Key Information

Chee Quee is notable for being the second player of Chinese origin to play first-class cricket in Australia after Hunter Poon in 1923. He played from 1992–1993 to 2000–2001 for New South Wales and scored nearly 11,000 runs in Sydney grade cricket for the Randwick and Randwick Petersham club.[1]

Domestic one day career

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His greatest innings in domestic one day cricket was his first and only one day domestic century, in the 1993/94 Australian Domestic One-Day Cricket Final, where he smashed 131 for the Blues against Western Australia as part of a 199 run partnership with Michael Bevan that helped the Blues defeat WA by 43 runs. The partnership still stands as the highest 2nd wicket partnership in a one day match for New South Wales.[2]

First Class cricket

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In the longer form of the game he also only scored a single first class century, a quickfire 105 in a tour game against the travelling West Indies in December 1995. Despite the Windies only coming to Australia to participate in the revived One Day International Tri-Series the tour included a four day, first class match vs New South Wales that was held in Newcastle. Once again he teamed with Bevan and the pair put on a 1st innings 191 run 4th wicket partnership with Chee Quee scoring 105 against the formidable West Indian bowling attack that included Curtly Ambrose, Roger Harper and Courtney Walsh, who bowled him to end his 196 ball innings and later dismissed Bevan also bowled, for 86. He did not bat in the 2nd innings as the game ended in a draw when rain & lightning prevented New South Wales from scoring the last 12 runs on their 89 target.[3]

Non-playing career

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He is the lead vocalist in the rock band Six & Out. He also takes part in coaching clinics run by the Australian Cricket Association Masters team.[4]

References

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from Grokipedia
Richard Chee Quee (born 4 January 1971) is an Australian former er renowned for being the first player of Chinese origin to represent and the second overall in Australian after Hunter Poon in 1923. A right-handed opening batsman, he debuted for in the 1992–93 Sheffield Shield season and played 21 , scoring 1,029 runs at an average of 28.58, including one century and six half-centuries, with a highest score of 105 against the in 1995–96. Chee Quee's family background reflects Australia's multicultural fabric, with his father of Chinese descent and his mother born in to mixed Chinese, English, Irish, German, and Samoan heritage. In , he featured in 24 matches for , amassing 876 runs at an average of 39.81, highlighted by a match-winning 131 in the 1993–94 Mercantile Mutual Cup final that helped secure victory. At the club level with Randwick-Petersham in from 2001–02 to 2005–06, he was a dominant force, scoring 4,028 runs in first-grade matches at an average exceeding 40, earning the Bill O'Reilly Medal in his debut season for 1,003 runs, and ranking third all-time in with 11,886 career first-grade runs. Beyond playing, Chee Quee has been a trailblazer in promoting cricket within multicultural communities, particularly among East and Southeast Asian Australians. In the 1990s, he ran clinics in Sydney's diverse south-western suburbs like Liverpool and Cabramatta, targeting youth from non-traditional cricket backgrounds, and collaborated with Cricket New South Wales on school programs to broaden participation. Appointed a multicultural ambassador for Cricket Australia in 2024, he advocates for inclusive growth strategies, supporting emerging talents such as Elsa Hunter and Lauren Kua, and contributing to goals like doubling junior registrations from 40,000 to 80,000 by 2026. Additionally, he serves as lead vocalist for the rock band Six & Out, formed with fellow ex-NSW cricketers.

Early life and background

Birth and family

Richard Chee Quee was born on 4 January 1971 in Camperdown, a suburb of , , . As a Chinese-Australian, he holds the distinction of being the first player of Chinese origin to represent and the second overall to play in , following Hunter Poon, who played for in the 1923–24 season. Chee Quee was the younger son of William and Elizabeth Chee Quee, with his older brother Michael born on 22 March 1968 in the same Camperdown location. His father, of Chinese heritage, was born and raised on in the and later served in the Australian Air Force, reflecting the family's blended immigrant roots and military ties. His mother, Elizabeth, was born in and had mixed Chinese, English, Irish, German, and Samoan heritage. Growing up in Sydney's diverse urban landscape during the and , Chee Quee experienced the influences of the local Chinese immigrant community, which shaped his amid Australia's evolving . However, as one of the few Asian children in his predominantly Anglo-Saxon school environment, he navigated early challenges of assimilation in a society still adjusting to greater ethnic diversity.

Introduction to cricket

Richard Chee Quee first encountered during his youth in Sydney's multicultural suburbs, where local games and family encouragement sparked his interest in the sport. Growing up in a diverse environment as a child of Chinese heritage, he began playing at in Randwick during the 1980s, finding a means to assimilate and connect with peers despite being one of the few Asian students at the school. His brother played a pivotal role in motivating him to pursue the game seriously, helping him overcome cultural barriers and fostering a passion for batting. Chee Quee's junior career took shape at the Randwick club, where he honed his skills as a right-handed opening batsman through competitive youth competitions. He participated in the prestigious Poidevin-Gray Shield, amassing 973 runs, and the A.W. Green Shield, scoring 424 runs, both under the auspices of what would become the Randwick Petersham Cricket Club. These performances showcased his early potential. His development continued in the early grades at Randwick, where he entered at age 14 and was quickly thrust into first-grade nets, accelerating his technical growth and run accumulation. This progression built a solid foundation for his batting technique, emphasizing consistency and flair, while early teammates and family support recognized his talent amid the challenges of multicultural integration.

Domestic playing career

First-class cricket

Richard Chee Quee made his first-class debut for in the during the 1992–93 season, marking him as the first player of Chinese origin to represent the state in the modern era. His entry into professional cricket followed strong performances in grade cricket, where he had demonstrated consistent run-scoring ability for Randwick-Petersham. In that debut season, Chee Quee played two matches, scoring 70 runs at an average of 23.33, with a highest score of 32, showcasing his potential as a top-order batsman. Notable among these were his contributions in opening partnerships and middle-order resilience, such as in innings against Victoria where he helped stabilize the batting lineup during challenging conditions. His aggressive style added dynamism to the NSW top order, though opportunities were sporadic due to the team's depth. Throughout his full first-class career spanning 1992–93 to 1997–98, Chee Quee played 21 matches, scoring 1,029 runs at an average of 28.58, including one century and six half-centuries, with a top score of 105 against the in a 1995–96 tour match at Newcastle. Despite his powerful batting and fielding prowess—taking 16 catches—intense competition for places in a dominant side, featuring international stars like and , restricted his appearances and prevented a more extended run. This challenge underscored the barriers he navigated as a trailblazing player from a multicultural background in Australian cricket's elite domestic competition.

One-day domestic cricket

Richard Chee Quee made his List A debut for in the 1993–94 Mercantile Mutual Cup, the domestic one-day competition, and went on to play 24 matches for the state until the 1997–98 season. As an opener, he adapted his aggressive batting style to the limited-overs format, focusing on quicker scoring rates to build innings under pressure, often partnering with teammates like or . In his List A career, Chee Quee accumulated 876 runs at an average of 39.81, including one century and five half-centuries, with a highest score of 131. His standout performance came in the 1993–94 Mercantile Mutual Cup final against at the , where he scored an unbeaten 131 off 146 balls, featuring eight fours and one six, at a of 89.72. This innings included a crucial 199-run second-wicket partnership with after an early run-out, helping post 264/4 and secure a 43-run victory (revised target due to rain) to claim the title, with Chee Quee named . Chee Quee's contributions were pivotal during ' competitive campaigns in the mid-1990s, providing explosive starts that supported the team's push for finals, though they did not win further titles in his tenure. His flair and ability to accelerate were highlighted in several key fixtures, such as scoring 80 against in 1995–96, underscoring his role in maintaining momentum in top-order partnerships.

Club cricket achievements

Richard Chee Quee developed his cricket through a long association with the Randwick club starting in the lower grades during the late 1980s, before progressing to the senior ranks and eventually joining the newly merged Randwick Petersham club in its inaugural 2001–02 season. Across his club career with Randwick and Randwick Petersham, he amassed 12,702 runs in Sydney Grade Cricket, contributing to a comprehensive total of 14,099 runs when including lower-grade performances. In first-grade Sydney cricket, Chee Quee scored 11,886 runs, ranking third on the all-time list, with 7,858 runs for Randwick and 4,028 for Randwick Petersham at an average of 39.88. He also took 193 catches in first grade, including 61 for Randwick Petersham. His consistent run-scoring at club level, particularly after returning from state duties, established him as one of the premier batsmen in Sydney grade cricket. Chee Quee dominated as a batsman for Randwick Petersham from the outset, serving as the club's leading run-scorer in multiple seasons and scoring multiple centuries across his tenure. In his debut season of 2001–02, he topped the grade aggregates with 1,003 runs at an average of 45.59—including scores of 113, 106, and 103*—becoming the first player for the merged club to reach 1,000 runs in a single season and earning the Bill O'Reilly Medal as Player of the Year. Subsequent standout performances included 874 runs at 41.62 in 2002–03 (with 139* and 102*), 907 runs at 47.74 in 2003–04 (including 111), and 643 runs in 2004–05, a testimonial year during which he surpassed 3,000 career runs for the club. In 2011, Chee Quee was named in Randwick Petersham's Team of the Decade for his contributions as a prolific batsman and reliable fielder. His club exploits, highlighted by these record-breaking seasons, directly facilitated his pathway to state selection for .

Playing style and records

Batting technique

Richard Chee Quee was a right-handed opening or middle-order batsman renowned for his powerful and aggressive strokeplay. His vivacious approach on the field earned him the nicknames "Shiek" and "Cheeks," reflecting his entertaining and flamboyant presence. Chee Quee's strengths lay in his natural aggression, particularly effective against pace bowling, where he executed strong drives and cuts with flair. In limited-overs , his quick scoring ability shone through, as demonstrated in his career-best 131-run in the 1993-94 Mercantile Mutual Cup final against . He was described as a "dashing strokeplayer" whose attacking style thrilled spectators and teammates alike. Early in his career, Chee Quee occasionally succumbed to "lazy shots," contributing to inconsistencies that limited his first-class tenure. However, he evolved through dedicated training, including footwork drills and , which honed a more disciplined technique while retaining his aggressive edge. This progression from a solid junior foundation to a more flamboyant style in inspired emerging multicultural players in Australian cricket.

Career statistics

Richard Chee Quee played 21 first-class matches for between 1992/93 and 1997/98, primarily as an opening batsman, accumulating 1,029 runs at an average of 28.58. His highest score in this format was 105, with one century and six half-centuries to his name. In , he featured in 24 matches, scoring 876 runs at an average of 39.81, including one century (131) and five fifties. The following table summarizes his domestic career batting statistics:
FormatMatchesInningsNot OutsRunsHighest ScoreAverageCenturiesFiftiesCatches
First-class21371102910528.581616
List A2423187613139.811515
In for Randwick and Randwick Petersham, Chee Quee amassed 11,886 runs in first-grade matches, placing him third on the all-time list as of 2024. He scored 72 half-centuries in this competition, sharing the record for most fifties. He achieved at least 6 centuries with Randwick Petersham, with a notable club high score of 139* in 2002-03. These club aggregates highlight his consistency as an opener, with strong fielding contributions including catches from slip or opening positions. The table below provides an aggregate overview of his club career in first-grade Sydney cricket:
CategoryStatistic
Total Runs11,886
Half-Centuries72
Centuries (Randwick Petersham)6
Notable High Score139* (2002-03)

Non-playing career

Coaching and club roles

Following his retirement from first-class cricket with New South Wales in 1998, Richard Chee Quee continued to play grade cricket for Randwick Petersham until the end of the 2005–06 season. Post-retirement, Chee Quee has maintained a strong presence at Randwick Petersham, serving as a committee member and contributing to the club's ongoing operations and success. In his coaching and mentoring roles at the club level since the early , he has focused on guiding young players, including those from multicultural backgrounds, through personalized advice and skill development programs. A notable example of his impact includes mentoring emerging batsman Alex Lee-Young, whom he counseled on transferring to Randwick Petersham ahead of the 2025–26 season, facilitating the player's smooth transition and growth within the team. Through these efforts, Chee Quee has helped cultivate talents who have advanced to state representative levels, reinforcing the club's reputation for player development.

Multicultural cricket initiatives

Richard Chee Quee began pioneering multicultural engagement in Australian during the 1990s by organizing community clinics in Sydney's diverse south-west suburbs, including , Canley Vale, and Cabramatta, to introduce the sport to children from Asian and immigrant backgrounds. These early efforts focused on building grassroots interest through hands-on sessions, aiming to create lasting participation by influencing participants who would later encourage their own families. From the 2000s onward, Chee Quee assumed advisory roles within Cricket Australia's multicultural programs, emphasizing outreach to underrepresented Asian markets such as East and South East Asia, in addition to established South Asian communities. As a Multicultural Ambassador appointed in 2024, he contributes to the organization's Multicultural Action Plan by promoting inclusion and diversity, including through school programs and clinics in areas with significant Chinese-Australian populations. His work builds on the legacy of trailblazers like Hunter Poon, the first player of Chinese heritage in Australian first-class cricket in 1923, to develop pipelines for diverse talent. By 2025, these initiatives have yielded tangible growth in participation, with former clinic attendees now raising children active in cricket and emerging players of Malaysian heritage, such as Elsa Hunter and Lauren Kua, competing in the and . Collaborations with Cricket NSW, including school-based engagement strategies led by figures like Todd Greenberg, have supported broader goals to double registered junior players aged 5-12 from 40,000 to 80,000 by 2026. Chee Quee's personal heritage has driven his advocacy for equitable access across multicultural groups.

Legacy and recognition

Barrier-breaking contributions

Richard Chee Quee made history in 1992 by becoming the second player of Chinese origin to play in , following Hunter Poon's appearance in 1923, when he debuted for in the . This milestone occurred during a period of growing in 1990s , particularly in , where Chee Quee emerged from the city's vibrant Chinese community to represent his state. Born to a Chinese father and a Fiji-born mother of mixed heritage, Chee Quee grew up as one of the few Asian children in his school and local environment at Randwick Cricket Club, facing related to his skin color and appearance that he overcame through dedication to the . His journey from with his brother in Sydney's Chinese enclave to state selection highlighted the personal resilience required to break into a traditionally Anglo-dominated , as detailed in his 2021 interview where he reflected on becoming one of the first players of Chinese descent at the first-class level and his hope to inspire others. Chee Quee's breakthrough inspired Asian youth during the 1990s push for , as he conducted clinics in diverse suburbs like , Canley Vale, and Cabramatta, drawing young players from non-traditional backgrounds into the game. His presence immediately boosted visibility for non-Anglo players in NSW squads, paving the way for greater recognition of diverse talents in Australian . This pioneering role extended briefly into his later advocacy efforts, supporting multicultural initiatives off the field.

Impact on Australian cricket

Richard Chee Quee's pioneering efforts in the 1990s, including running cricket clinics in multicultural suburbs such as and Cabramatta, laid the groundwork for increased Asian participation in the sport. By 2025, these initiatives have contributed to a noticeable influx of players from Asian backgrounds, with examples including women of Malaysian heritage like Elsa Hunter and Lauren Kua, who have progressed to represent in the and the . This growth reflects broader trends in multicultural engagement, as evidenced by recent articles highlighting the maturation of programs he helped ignite. In recognition of his diversity work, Chee Quee was appointed a multicultural ambassador in 2024, underscoring his role in fostering inclusion. His advocacy has influenced 's strategy to expand beyond South Asian communities into other Asian markets, including South East Asia, by promoting targeted engagement and talent development. This bold approach aligns with Cricket NSW's goal to double junior registered players aged 5-12 from 40,000 to 80,000 by 2026, building on the foundational shifts in multicultural participation rates that accelerated post-1990s. Chee Quee's broader legacy endures through his inspiration of current multicultural players, such as emerging talents like Alex Lee-Young. A profile in The Cricket Library, titled "Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change," highlights how his trailblazing career and community efforts continue to drive diversity and growth in Australian cricket. These impacts contribute to broader trends in multicultural engagement within Australian cricket. For instance, as of November , South Asian participation has doubled to 20% over the past five years.

References

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