Beloved Australian cricketing legend Max Walker has left behind a legacy that extends far beyond the cricket pitch.

Arguably more famous for his commentary than his cricket, the colourful character was host of the Wide World of Sports during the 1980s and 1990s. He was part of Channel Nine’s cricket commentary team from 1986 until 1991.

Nicknamed ‘Tangles’ for his unconventional bowling action, Walker took 138 wickets in 38 Tests for Australia.

Loved for his humour and ability to tell a tale, Walker also pursued careers in writing and motivational speaking – despite having spent a previous life working as an architect.

During the Australian cricket team’s tours of India in the 1970s, Walker was known for organising amateur architecture tours for the team – the tours were said to be rather unpopular with his teammates.

But Walker will also be remembered for a number of television commercials for quintessentially Australian brands such as Aerogard, Tooheys and The Max iced coffee.

The serial spokesman even appeared in an ad for the Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency.

See Walker’s best on-screen moments below:

“Does anything bother you Mr Walker?” asks a precocious fan as Walker prepares himself for a match in this Aerogard ad.

“Batsmen and flies,” comes the reply.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VThi7SFGNlI

In the days before regulations prevented athletes spruiking alcohol, ocker Walker was the perfect Tooheys ambassador.

“If there’s one thing you can usually bet on, it’s that I’m gonna lose me shirt,” declares Walker, as he sinks a cold glass of beer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBpvWD8h7Ys

Known as a world class ‘yarn spinner’, Walker’s love of a tall tale was the subject of this iced coffee commercial.

The medium-fast bowler’s peculiar (but effective) technique earned him his nickname ‘Tangles’.

Watch his feet in particular.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFXaW2Ob50M

“Gee we’re gonna make a killing here,” says the much-loved larrikin in this spot for the Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency.

“I’ve had an absolute shocker”: a straight-faced Walker pulls a prank on The Footy Show panellists in 1997.

Walker’s expertise extended beyond cricket. He regularly hosted Nine’s Wide World of Sports, which covered everything from international cricket, to bizarre small-town spectacles.

Spending the later parts of his life as a motivational speaker, Walker called on his ability to command a room in this Ted Talk.