Cricketer, born in Perth, Western Australia. A renowned fast bowler, he epitomized the move towards the more combative approach to international cricket. He took 355 wickets in 70 Tests, and his attempts to introduce a metal bat (illegal) into Test matches led to well-publicized clashes with the Australian cricketing authorities.
In the early part of his career Lillee was an extremely quick bowler, but a number of stress fractures in his back almost ended his career.
Early career
Lillee made his debut for Western Australia in the 1969-70 domestic season as a raw twenty year old, immediately impressing with his pace and work-rate.
Lillee followed this performance up with a successful Ashes tour of England in 1972, starring in a 2-2 drawn series, with 31 wickets at the outstanding average of 17.67.
For his performances in the 1972 series, Lillee was selected as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year for 1973.
Comeback from injury
In 1973, during a tour of the West Indies, Lillee was diagnosed with an incredible four spinal stress fractures, and he was forced out of cricket.
Many journalists and fans alike thought that his career may have ended, but Lillee persevered and put himself onto an intensive physiotherapy course, reshaping his bowling action.
Following his strict fitness regime, Lillee returned to competitive cricket just eighteen months after being diagnosed with his potentially career-ending injuries, and soon re-established himself in the Australian Test team.
Later career
Lillee had improved his bowling action into one that is now universally considered as almost perfect, and many considered him "the complete bowler".
He became the second quickest bowler ever to reach 200 Test wickets, after former Australian leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett, and in the 1980-81 home series against India passed Richie Benaud's record for most Test wickets for Australia (248).
In 1977 Lillee was one of the Australian players to join World Series Cricket, backed by media mogul Kerry Packer, resulting in his enforced absence from the Test and one-day international teams.
Lillee became the then-world record holder for number of Test wickets in 1981 during one of his most famous Test performances.
Still a huge hit with the fans, Lillee continued his international career until famously retiring along with Greg Chappell and Rod Marsh after the Sydney Test match against Pakistan in January 1984;
Throughout his Australian career Lillee was also famous for his partnership with wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, and the scorecard entry 'c Marsh b Lillee' appeared 95 times in Tests, a partnership record between wicketkeeper and bowler that is yet to be broken. It was Marsh who gave Lillee his nickname, Fot, on the grounds that when he ran in to bowl, Lillee put him in mind of a 'Fucking Old Tart'.
By the time of his retirement Lillee was the most successful Test bowler in history, with 355 wickets at the outstanding average of 23.92.
After retirement
Although he retired from international cricket in 1984, Lillee continued playing first-class cricket until 1988 for Tasmania in the Australian domestic scene, undoubtedly helping them to become a recognised force in the Sheffield Shield competition at the time.
During the 1990s and in the early years of the 21st century Lillee has dedicated himself to educating and improving young fast bowlers, working closely with bowlers from all around the world.
Lillee continued playing social cricket until 1999 for the traditional ACB President's XI match against touring sides at Lilac Hill.
Teams
International
AustraliaAustralian state
Tasmania Western AustraliaEnglish county
NorthamptonshireCareer highlights
Tests
Test Debut: vs England, Adelaide, 1970-1971
Last Test: vs Pakistan, Sydney, 1983-1984
One-day internationals
ODI Debut: vs England, Manchester, 1972
Last ODI: vs West Indies, Lord's, 1983
Controversy
World Series cricket
Lillee wasn't immune to controversy through his career.
'Heavy Metal'
One of the most infamous incidents in Lillee's career occurred at the WACA cricket ground in December of 1979. When the second day of play began, Lillee emerged onto the field carrying not the traditional willow bat, but a cricket bat made from aluminium. The bat, manufactured by the company of Lillee's good friend Graham Monoghan, was intended only as a cheap replacement for traditional cricket bats for schools and developing countries.
The trouble began on the fourth ball of the day, when Lillee straight drove a ball from Ian Botham.
Lillee instructed Hogg that he wasn't going to change his bat, and assumed a posture to face the next delivery. He emerged onto the ground, took one of the willow bats from Hogg, and instructed Lillee to be quiet and use the bat. Lillee threw his aluminium bat away in disgust ("[throwing] the offending lump of metal fully 40 yards towards the pavilion"), and grudgingly took the wooden bat.
Astonishingly, Lillee was not censured or disciplined for this incident.
Lillee vs Miandad
Described as "one of the most undignified incidents in Test history", the clash between Lillee and Pakistani batsman Javed Miandad in 1981 was especially explosive. Cynics noted that the punishment ensured that Lillee missed two fairly low-key one-day internationals, and none of the Tests.
User Comments Add a comment…