Geoff Rabone played for Wellington from 1940–41 to 1950–51 and for Auckland from 1951–52 to 1959–60 as a dour right-handed batsman and as a right-arm off-break bowler who bowled the occasional leg-break too.

After Second World War service as a Lancaster bomber pilot, Rabone had played only six first-class matches before being selected for 1949 New Zealand touring side to England.

In a team of strokemakers headed by Martin Donnelly and Bert Sutcliffe, Rabone's normal batting style gave solidity to New Zealand's middle order.

Rabone was picked as captain, and though the side was unsuccessful in the big matches – the Test series was lost 4–0 – his own reputation for dependability and durability was enhanced.

The tour ended in an anticlimax for Rabone, though, as he broke a bone in a foot during a provincial match and could not take part in the last two Tests.