Former Australian fast bowler Frank Misson passes away aged 85

Frank Misson (Twitter)

Former Australia and New South Wales pacer, Frank Misson, has passed away aged 85.

He played five Tests in an international career which spanned just one year. It ended prematurely due to an Achilles injury. His best figures of 4/58 came against the West Indies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which was the game that followed the first tied Test in the history of the red-ball game.

He played significantly more first-class matches, 71 in total, representing New South Wales, and finished with 177 dismissals at an average of 31.13 in a career that spanned from 1958/59 to 1963/64.

Misson was an exceptional athlete during his youth. Notably, he had trained with Australian athletics middle-distance coach, Percy Cerutty, who was the coach to Herb Elliott, who ended up securing a gold at the Rome Olympics in 1960 in the 1500m category.

There’s little doubt that if it wasn’t for injury, he would’ve played many more times: Germon

Lee Germon, Chief Executive of NSW, paid homage to Misson post his passing away. Germon also asserted that Misson would have played a lot more cricket if not for the devastating injury.

“We pass on our sincerest condolences to Frank’s family and friends, especially all of those that played with him as part of the NSW men’s team and the Australian men’s team. Frank’s career was cut short by injury, which was ironic considering the focus he had on health, diet, and fitness in an era where sports science was not very prevalent. His five Test caps are recognition of his talent and determination, and there’s little doubt that if it wasn’t for injury, he would’ve played many more times for his state and country,” mentioned Germon.

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The lasting impact of Misson on physical wellness was continued by his son, David Misson, with him becoming the fitness advisor for the Australian men’s team as well as the NSW side between 1998 & 2000 and the early 2000s, respectively.