Michael James Mason, born on September 25, 1974, is a former professional cricket player from New Zealand. Hailing from the small town of Mangatainoka, Mason’s journey to the international cricket stage was built on sheer determination and a strong work ethic.
Mason grew up in a region that was not renowned for producing cricketing talent, yet he defied the odds and carved out a successful career for himself. Drawing inspiration from his predecessors Ewen Chatfield, Harry Cave, Richard Collinge, and Lance Cairns – all renowned country bowlers with incredible work ethics – Mason adopted their solid and reliable style of play.
Throughout his career, Mason battled numerous injuries, but he refused to let them put an end to his cricketing aspirations. Instead, he persevered, continuously working hard to overcome these setbacks. His unwavering dedication and consistent performance earned him well-deserved recognition and a place in the New Zealand national team.
Former New Zealand coach John Bracewell once described Mason as “the best line-and-length bowler in the country,” a testament to his accuracy and control on the field. In 2006-2007, Mason finally had the opportunity to showcase his skills in a few One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Sri Lanka. The highlight of this series came in Christchurch when he claimed four wickets for just 24 runs, earning him the Man-of-the-Match accolade. Although he only featured in one game in the tri-series in Australia, Mason’s impressive performance secured his spot in the 15-man World Cup squad.
During the World Cup held in the Caribbean, Mason made five appearances and took three crucial wickets for his team. However, despite his commendable performances, his international appearances became sporadic thereafter. He had to wait almost two years before playing against Australia in March 2010.
Despite the ups and downs of his international career, Mason remained a consistent performer for his domestic team, Central Districts. His unwavering commitment to the sport and his strong work ethic contributed to his continued success at the domestic level.
Off the field, Michael Mason is known for his friendly and humble nature. He is a role model for aspiring cricketers, exemplifying the qualities of hard work, determination, and resilience. Mason’s dedication to the game has left a lasting legacy in New Zealand cricket.
Since retiring from professional cricket, Mason has ventured into coaching. He uses his vast experience and knowledge to mentor and guide young cricketers, passing on his valuable insights and techniques. He continues to contribute to the development of the sport in New Zealand.
Michael James Mason’s cricketing journey stands as a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. From his humble beginnings in Mangatainoka to representing his country on the international stage, Mason has left an indelible mark on New Zealand cricket. Beyond his impressive cricketing abilities, he is a true embodiment of the values that the sport represents.
