|
Greenidge & Haynes: Special Chemistry
|
 Jeffrey Robert Thomson
Born: 16 August 1950, Greenacre, Sydney, New South Wales
Teams: New South Wales, Queensland, Middlesex, Australia.
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast
Test Debut: Aus v Pak at Melbourne, 2nd Test, 1972/73
ODI Debut: Aus v Eng at Melbourne, One-off ODI, 1974/75
Dennis Keith Lillee
Born: 18 July 1949, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia
Teams: Western Australia, Tasmania, Northamptonshire, Australia.
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast
Test Debut: Aus v Eng at Adelaide, 6th Test, 1970/71
ODI Debut: Aus v Eng at Manchester, Prudential Trophy, 1972
Jeff Thomson was one of the fastest in his generation. His bowling action was unique - with a slinging action. His approach was scary, and most batsmen will agree. How else would one explain all those suicidal shots!
He debuted against Pakistan in 1972-73. In his first series, he was sidelined due to injury. But as fate would have it, he was recalled in 1974-5.
This was the year, their partnership started. In tandem with Dennis Lillee, he terrorised the England tourists with his accuracy, swing and speed. For the record, he took 33 wickets in the series.
Dennis Lillee is known to be the only complete bowler ever. His approach towards cricket was simple - work hard and let the people know that you have done your homework. He was a showman, an artisan bowling for the spectators. The spectators often roared his name as he ran in to bowl.
Rod Marsh used to be the wicket-keeper in those days, and on the scorecard, "c Marsh b Lillee" was a common sight.
Over a period of time, both Lillee and Thomson became the most feared bowling pair of the era. They inflicted greatest damage on England. Probably because, in those days, they played each other often.
In 1979, Thomson's fastest ball was travelling at a speed of 147.9 km/h and Lillee's at 136.4 km/h.
Now, thats a big ask from the bastmen's point of view. If they managed to play Lillee well, they fell to Thomson... or vice versa. There was no breathing space. No elbow-room to manoeuvre. The easy way out, was to get out.
Here is some dope for the statistician in you - Lillee and Thomson combined in 26 Tests and were winners 14 times, a 54 per cent success rate. Who said cricket was a team sport?
Read other articles
|
|
Jamshed V Rajan
Courtesy Sify Sports
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| | Photo Pillowcover: Pink | Fastrack Watch For Men | Asmi Diamond Pendant | Rs.525 ($10.91) | | | | Rs.475 ($9.87) | Rs.1,095 ($22.75) | Rs.8,670 ($180.10) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask our Experts :
Expert Advice, Personality, Immigration (US), Tarot, Hot Couture, Body Care, Matrimonial Laws, Sexual Health, Life, etc, Man vs Woman, Fitness. |
|
 |
|
Furl it
Reddit
