Former Australia pacer Frank Misson passes away at the age of 85

Frank Misson played five test matches for the Australian cricket team.

Former Australian and New South Wales cricketer Frank Misson passed away at the age of 85 on Friday, September 22.

In his short international career, from December 1960 to June 1961, Misson played five test matches and picked up 16 wickets at a bowling average of 38.50. The right-arm pacer made his test debut against the West Indies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and played his last test against arch-rivals England at Lord’s.

The speedster played 71 First-Class (FC) matches from 1958/59 to 1963/64 and picked up 177 wickets at an average of 31.13.

The former cricketer was a stellar athlete in his youth and also carried his athletic background into his cricket career. Misson trained with the legendary Australian athletics middle distance coach Percy Cerutty, who coached Australia’s Herb Elliott to Olympic gold and a world record in the 1500m in Rome in 1960.

NSW chief executive Lee Germon paid tribute to Misson following his passing

New South Wales chief executive Lee Germon paid tribute to former Australian speedster Frank Misson following his demise.

Germon said that Misson’s five-test appearance for the Australian side will be recognized as the talent and determination he got in a career that was marred by injuries.

“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,” Germon said.

“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,” Germon added.

Misson’s son David became the fitness advisor for the Australia men’s team between 1998 and 2000.

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