CRICKET
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TEST cricket great Dennis Lillee bowled into Calrossy yesterday afternoon to open the school’s new cricket nets at the Cowper campus.
One of the greatest fast bowlers to ever wear the baggy green, Lillee is considered to be one of the fathers of the modern one-day game and played in the first World Cup.
The former record holder for most test wickets told the students how he had honed his game against his brother in the backyard.
“I could never get him out - I am not sure if I ever did,” Lillee said.
“I think that is where I got my competitive spirit from and determination.”
As he met young NSW representative Jess Davidson Lillee lamented his sister’s plight in the game.
“My brother and I would play all day and night and my sister would always be with us.”
“I still don’t know how she bats or bowls but she has a great arm from all that fielding.”
Lillee produced the second aluminium bat that was made, with the other one tucked away at his home, and answered questions about that moment with Javed Miandad and several others.
He went on to tell of his old and new found passion to speak French, as one young bloke asked him if he played with Sir Don Bradman.
While it has been a while since he has counted his run-up out as he hasn’t lost his passion for the game, giving everyone present a glimpse of how Dennis Lillee played.
“People are always saying that Test cricket is on the way out – they have bee saying it since I was playing.”
“Test cricket gets under your skin.”
“It is called Test cricket because it tests everything that is cricket, and that is so many things.”
“The weather, the bat, the ball the pitch and how it changes over five days, tactics, endurance, choices.”
“It is like a chess game and those that love it get that whether they are playing or watching.”
Lillee then strode out and unveiled the plaque put in place at the new nets, that have both synthetic and hard surface wickets at the Cowper campus.
He then proceeded to run his eye over the school bowlers and gave out individual hints and tips to the students.
His top tip was to only play cricket for enjoyment first and don’t worry about technique until you are older.
“It is great to see grass roots cricket like this in the
country.”
“I am from the country in Western Australia and love spending time in country like this.”
The spearhead of the Australian attack in the late 1970s and early 80s has even had a hand in coaching Bendemeer speedster Josh Hazlewood.
“I think Josh is at the start of a very fine career,” Lillee said.
“He has taken the bad balls out of his game and has been bowling a lot of good ones.”
Lillee finished his Tamworth journey with a Suncorp business dinner at the Powerhouse last night.