Australia

Michael Kasprowicz

Born: February 10, 1972, South Brisbane, Queensland

Michael Kasprowicz bio

Michael Scott Kasprowicz, born on February 10, 1972, in Brisbane, Australia, is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most skilled cricket players. With a career spanning over a decade, Kasprowicz left a lasting impact on the sport and was known for his relentless work ethic, competitive spirit, and ability to deliver under intense pressure.

Kasprowicz began his cricket journey as a swing bowler with a talent for outswingers. He honed his skills on the Gabba greentops, learning to extract movement from the pitch. As his career progressed, he became renowned for his ability to excel in subcontinental conditions, using variations like reverse swing, heavy cut, and an unwavering determination to outmaneuver his opponents.

One of Kasprowicz’s defining moments came in the 1997-98 series against India. Despite facing challenges due to injuries within the team, he fearlessly led the Australian bowling attack against formidable batsmen like Navjot Sidhu and Sachin Tendulkar. Throughout his career, he showed a remarkable resilience and an attitude that never backed down, even in adverse circumstances.

In addition to his commendable performances against India, Kasprowicz demonstrated his skills on multiple occasions. Notably, he took an impressive 7 for 36 in the 1997 Test match at The Oval, where Australia famously collapsed, chasing a meager target of 124. He also achieved the feat of taking seven wickets in a match twice, both against Pakistan, with a five-year interval.

Often described as a workhorse, Kasprowicz possessed exceptional stamina and size, thanks to his background as an Australian Schoolboys rugby forward. His pace, combined with his ability to consistently hit the perfect line and angle, posed significant challenges for left-handed batsmen. He was frequently compared to Paul Reiffel, another unsung hero of Australian cricket.

After refining his action and skills with Queensland and Glamorgan for three years, Kasprowicz made a comeback in 2004, during which he played 13 Tests, marking his longest stint in the national team. That year proved to be a remarkable one for him, as he showcased his abilities alongside Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie. His consistent performances left a lasting impact, as he claimed 47 wickets, with only four scoreless innings.

Although Kasprowicz faced setbacks due to back and groin injuries during the 2006-07 season, he still managed to retire as the second-highest wicket-taker of all time in the Sheffield Shield, with a staggering 441 dismissals. His dedication to the game and his undeniable talent were duly recognized, even if he missed out on a Cricket Australia contract.

Amid a series of triumphs and challenges, one of Kasprowicz’s most memorable moments came during the 2005 Ashes series. His brave partnership with Brett Lee at Edgbaston, where they fell just three runs short of an unforgettable victory, showcased his resilience and determination. Despite being left out of the national team after that tour, Kasprowicz responded with exceptional performances in both domestic and international matches.

Kasprowicz’s career ended on a high note, with a nail-biting two-wicket victory over South Africa in 2007. His unwavering dedication to the sport, coupled with his exceptional skills as a bowler, ensured that he left a lasting impact on Australian cricket.

Today, as the second-highest wicket-taker in Sheffield Shield history, Michael Scott Kasprowicz is fondly remembered as a talented and dependable player who gave it his all on the cricket pitch. His achievements continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers in Australia and beyond.

Michael Kasprowicz career stats

Batting stats

Batting Matches Innings Nos Runs High score Ave BF SR 100s 50s 4s 6s Ct St
Tests 38 54 12 445 25 10.59 966 46.06 0 0 46 3 16 0
T20Is 2 1 1 3 3* - 5 60 0 0 0 0 2 0
ODIs 43 13 9 74 28* 18.5 89 83.14 0 0 6 1 13 0
FC 242 328 78 4401 92 17.6 - - 0 11 - - 96 0
List A 226 110 43 983 40 14.67 - - 0 0 - - 47 0
T20s 13 9 2 91 31 13 77 118.18 0 0 6 1 4 0

Bowling stats

Bowling Matches Innings Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10w
Tests 38 73 7140 3716 113 7/36 8/92 32.88 3.12 63.1 4 4 0
T20Is 2 2 42 57 5 4/29 4/29 11.4 8.14 8.4 1 0 0
ODIs 43 42 2225 1674 67 5/45 5/45 24.98 4.51 33.2 1 2 0
FC 242 - 49376 25505 959 9/36 - 26.59 3.09 51.4 - 51 6
List A 226 - 11037 7977 298 5/45 5/45 26.76 4.33 37 8 3 0
T20s 13 12 252 320 11 4/29 4/29 29.09 7.61 22.9 1 0 0

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