Former Australian fast bowler Frank Misson, known for his athleticism and groundbreaking approach to fitness in cricket, passed away at the age of 85. Misson, who represented Australia in five Test matches between 1960 and 1961, made a lasting impact on the game despite his brief international career, which was curtailed by injury.
Misson’s rise in Australian cricket came during a transformative period for the sport, particularly as he brought an unprecedented focus on physical fitness and health, a concept that was not widely emphasized at the time. His contributions extended beyond his own playing days, as his fitness-first mindset paved the way for modern cricket training methods.
Early Career and First-Class Success
Frank Misson was born in New South Wales and made his first-class debut for the state during the 1958-59 Sheffield Shield season. His debut performance was remarkable, as the 20-year-old pacer took six wickets in his very first match. His consistent performances for New South Wales soon earned him recognition, and he finished his first-class career with an impressive tally of 177 wickets at an average of 31.13 across 71 matches. His strong showings at the domestic level, particularly a successful tour of New Zealand with the Australian Second XI in 1960 where he took 17 wickets at an average of just 12.47, helped him break into the Australian Test squad.
Test Debut and International Career
Misson made his Test debut for Australia during the 1960-61 home series against the West Indies, a series that became iconic thanks to the first-ever tied Test match in Brisbane. Misson played in the second Test in Melbourne, where he made an immediate impact, taking 4 wickets for 58 runs. He finished the series with 10 wickets in three Tests at an average of 33.60.
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Following his debut series, Misson was selected for the 1961 Ashes tour of England. He played in the first two Tests of the series, but an Achilles injury hindered his performance, and he was forced to miss the remainder of the tour. Sadly, the injury would eventually end his international career, limiting him to just five Test appearances. In those matches, he claimed 16 wickets at an average of 38.50.
A Pioneer in Cricket Fitness
Frank Misson’s career may have been short-lived, but his dedication to physical fitness set him apart. Trained by legendary athletics coach Percy Cerutty, who famously coached Olympic gold medalist Herb Elliott, Misson integrated a rigorous fitness regime into his cricket training. This focus on athleticism was uncommon in cricket at the time, where players often focused more on technical skills than physical conditioning.
Misson’s commitment to fitness was so strong that during the 1961 Ashes tour, he famously trained by running laps of the deck while traveling to England by ship. Ian Chappell, a former Australian captain, recounted how some players tried to challenge Misson by placing obstacles like deck chairs in his path during his workouts. However, Misson simply hurdled the obstacles and continued with his exercise, earning the respect of his teammates.
Post-Cricket Contributions
Frank Misson’s influence on fitness would carry forward long after his playing days were over. His son, David Misson, followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming the fitness advisor for the Australian cricket team from 1998 to 2000, as well as for Cricket New South Wales in the early 2000s. David played a crucial role in modernizing the team’s training and fitness approach, a legacy directly linked to his father’s pioneering vision.
Cricket New South Wales chief executive Lee Germon paid tribute to Misson, stating, “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 is little doubt that if it wasn’t for injury, he would have played many more times for his state and country.”
Legacy
Though Frank Misson’s time in the spotlight was brief, his impact on the game of cricket was profound. His dedication to fitness, his performances for New South Wales, and his role as an early advocate for health and conditioning set a new standard in Australian cricket. His influence, passed down to the next generation through his son, continues to shape how cricketers approach fitness today.
As Australian cricket bids farewell to one of its trailblazers, Misson’s contributions will be remembered not just for his wickets on the field but for the lasting change he brought to the way the game is played and prepared for.
Frank Misson is survived by his family, and his legacy lives on in the continued emphasis on physical fitness within Australian cricket.
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