Ashley Allan Noffke, born on April 30, 1977, is a former Australian cricketer. Hailing from the Sunshine Coast, Noffke established himself as a formidable pace bowler, known for his clean and uncomplicated action and ability to generate excellent pace.
Noffke’s cricketing journey began in 2000-01 when he made a significant impact at the interstate level, playing for Queensland. He delivered standout performances in the Mercantile Mutual Cup and the Pura Cup final, where he scored 43 runs as a nightwatchman and took seven wickets, earning him the Man-of-the-Match title. This performance marked his rise as a promising talent in Australian cricket.
Prior to his breakthrough, Noffke had already showcased his potential as a bowler during his time in Brisbane grade cricket. In both 1997-98 and 1998-99, he emerged as the leading wicket-taker and was awarded the Queensland Academy of Sport Player of the Year in 1998-99. With a strong work ethic and dedication to honing his skills, Noffke also focused on improving his batting abilities and achieved his maiden first-class century in 2003-04 against South Australia, scoring an unbeaten 114.
Noffke’s consistent performances earned him recognition beyond state level, and in 2001, he secured a Cricket Australia contract and was selected for an Ashes tour. Although he did not make a Test debut during that tour, he remained in the minds of national selectors and eventually made his Australian debut in Twenty20 and One Day Internationals during the 2007-08 season. While his first international appearance was short-lived, being run-out without facing a ball, he quickly returned to make an impact by taking 3 for 18 against New Zealand in the same series.
Despite his initial success, Noffke’s career faced some setbacks, including injuries and missed opportunities for national selection. A nagging hip injury disrupted his progress, leading to a lost national contract and a reduced deal with Queensland for the 2009-10 season. Opting to embark on a new chapter, he signed a two-year contract with Western Australia. His first season with the Warriors was a mix of highs and lows, with impressive performances in the FR Cup but disappointing results in the Sheffield Shield.
However, Noffke’s determination and resilience shone through in his last uninterrupted season with Queensland, where he collected 51 first-class wickets and scored 741 runs. This achievement made him the third Australian player, after George Giffen and Greg Matthews, to accomplish the rare feat of capturing 50 wickets and scoring 500 runs in a single season. Recognized as the country’s State Player of the Year, Noffke’s contributions played a significant role in lifting Queensland from the bottom of the Pura Cup table.
Throughout his career, Noffke encountered challenges and setbacks but maintained a strong passion for the game. His perseverance led to a recall to the Australia A team in 2006-07 for a tour to Pakistan and a place in Australia’s preliminary Twenty20 World Championship squad. Noffke’s cricketing journey reflects his dedication to continually developing his skills, both as a bowler and a batsman.
Off the field, Noffke’s pursuits extend beyond cricket. He holds a business degree, which he utilizes to manage his growing property interests. Furthermore, Noffke’s commitment to the game and his ability to bounce back from adversity have left a lasting impact on Australian cricket.
Although his playing career has come to an end, Ashley Allan Noffke’s contributions and determination make him a resilient and inspiring figure in Australian cricket history.
