Frank Misson, a former australia fast bowler for Australia and New South Wales, has died at the age of 85. Misson played five Test matches for Australia, including the famous 1960-61 series against the West Indies and the 1961 Ashes tour in England. His Test career was cut short due to an Achilles injury. During his brief career, he took 16 wickets, with his best performance of 4 for 58 against the West Indies in Melbourne.
First-Class Career Highlights
Misson had a short but impactful first-class career. He played 71 matches, mostly for New South Wales, and took 177 wickets at an average of 31.13. His career spanned from 1958 to 1964.
Athletic Background
Misson was an outstanding athlete in his younger days. He trained under the famous Australian athletics coach Percy Cerutty, who also coached Herb Elliott to win Olympic gold and set a world record in the 1500 meters at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Misson brought his passion for fitness into his cricket career and made an impressive start, taking six wickets as a 20-year-old on his Sheffield Shield debut for New South Wales in 1959.
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Test Debut and the 1961 Ashes Tour
He made his Test debut in the second match of the 1960-61 series against the West Indies in Melbourne, following the iconic tied Test in Brisbane. He played two more matches in the series before being selected for the 1961 Ashes tour.
Former Australian captain Ian Chappell recalled Misson’s intense fitness routine during the trip to England. Misson would train by running laps on the ship’s deck while other players watched from the bar. At one point, they jokingly placed deck chairs in his path, but Misson effortlessly jumped over them, continuing his workout.
Unfortunately, an Achilles injury sidelined Misson for the remainder of the tour, and he never played another Test match.
Tributes to Misson
Lee Germon, CEO of Cricket New South Wales, expressed his condolences, saying, “We extend our deepest sympathies to Frank’s family and friends, especially those who played with him in the New South Wales and Australian teams.” Germon also remarked on the irony of Misson’s career being cut short by injury, given his strong focus on health and fitness during a time when sports science was not widely practiced.
Lasting Legacy
Frank Misson’s dedication to fitness left a lasting impact on Australian cricket. His son, David Misson, later became the fitness advisor for the Australian men’s team from 1998 to 2000 and worked with Cricket New South Wales in the early 2000s.
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