Former Australia and New South Wales fast bowler Frank Misson has passed away at the age of 85. Misson played five Tests for Australia during the iconic 1960-61 home series against the West Indies and the 1961 Ashes tour of England, taking 16 wickets at an average of 38.50. An Achilles injury cut short his Test career, but he made his mark with a career-best 4 for 58 against the West Indies in Melbourne.
Misson’s first-class career was more extensive, featuring 71 matches, mostly for New South Wales, where he claimed 177 wickets at 31.13 between 1958 and 1964. His fitness, largely attributed to training with legendary athletics coach Percy Cerutty, helped him burst onto the cricket scene, taking six wickets on his Sheffield Shield debut as a 20-year-old in 1959. Australia soon selected him for a second XI tour of New Zealand, where he claimed 17 wickets at 12.47.
Misson made his Test debut in the second match of the West Indies series in 1960, following the famous tied Test in Brisbane. He was selected for the 1961 Ashes tour but suffered an Achilles injury that cut short his Test career. Known for his incredible fitness, Misson continued training rigorously, even running laps aboard the ship during the voyage to England.
Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon paid tribute to Misson, highlighting his dedication to fitness and health during an era when sports science was less prevalent. Germon noted that injury tragically shortened Misson’s career but acknowledged his significant contributions to Australian cricket.
Misson’s legacy extended through his son, David Misson, who became the fitness advisor for the Australian men’s team and Cricket New South Wales in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
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