Timothy Brian Alexander May, widely known as Tim May, is a former Australian cricketer who made a significant impact as an offspinner and a tenacious lower-order batsman. Born on June 2, 1962, in Adelaide, Australia, May’s cricketing journey spanned from the early 1980s to the 1990s, during which he became an integral part of the national team.
May’s cricketing career saw him excel in both Test matches and One Day International (ODI) games. Although he played 47 ODIs, his greatest accomplishments came in the Test format. May was known for his ability to maintain excellent flight and accuracy over long spells, making him a valuable asset to the Australian side.
One of May’s most memorable performances occurred during the 1992-93 Test series against the formidable West Indies. In the fourth Test held in Adelaide, May was recalled to the team and helped bring Australia back into contention with exceptional figures of 5 for 9 off 6.5 overs. Despite his incredible efforts, Australia fell short by a mere one run, allowing the West Indies to claim the test and subsequently win the series. This test match also marked May’s partnership with emerging spin maestro Shane Warne, and their combination proved to be highly effective.
May’s partnership with Warne reached its peak during the 1993 Ashes tour. While Warne grabbed the headlines with 34 wickets, May played a crucial role by picking up 21 wickets with his economical bowling and ability to restrict the opposition’s scoring. This allowed Warne to flourish while reducing the workload on him.
Following his retirement from the game, May continued to contribute to cricket in various administrative roles. In 1997, he took on the role of the Australian Cricketers’ Association’s inaugural CEO. His leadership and dedication further strengthened the players’ association in Australia. Moreover, May extended his influence beyond national borders, becoming the chief executive of the Federation of International Players’ Associations. Despite moving to the United States with his wife in 2005, May retained his international post and continued to contribute to the welfare and rights of cricketers globally.
Tim May’s cricketing journey is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and love for the game. With his accurate offspin bowling and gritty batting, May left an indelible mark on Australian cricket. His partnership with Shane Warne showcased the potential of spin bowling, and his administrative contributions solidified the players’ representation and rights. Tim May will forever be remembered as a talented cricketer and a strong advocate for the welfare of players worldwide.
