Melissa Bulow - keep it simple
Dean Tuckwell | June 25, 2023
Melissa Bulow played 23 internationals for Australia including 2 tests after her debut at the age of 22. She was a powerful batsman who dominated Brisbane Grade cricket for many years with Wests and is one of Queensland’s most successful women’s cricketers including been named the WNCL player of the year in 2006/07.
Now married with 2 children, Melissa is the Chief Operating Officer of Binnicle Training. A keen traveller – she is looking forward to the end of Covid so she can return to the French Alps to look for the hiking boots that she threw into the Arve River.
What year you were born?
1980
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
I was 10 years old filling in for my brother’s Norths Under 12 team in Ipswich. I think I was designated fielder and did an admirable job.
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
I remember in primary school long jumping 2 metres 22 in our school carnival so I knew little athletics was never for me. Like any typical Aussie family we grew up playing cricket in the backyard. My Dad was coach of the local club cricket team so I played there with the boys from the age of 10-15 before joining Redbank Plains when they were first admitted to the Brisbane Grade Cricket Competition. When they folded I moved to Wests where I remained for the entirety of my career.
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?
I was 15 when I debuted for Redbank Plains who were part of the Brisbane First Grade competition back then. I think my anxiety has erased all memory of how I went.
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Opening batsman who didn’t adapt well when moved down the order. It would also be remiss if I didn’t mention my one dismissal filling in as wicketkeeper for the QLD Fire. People still talk about my lightning hands (people being me).
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
Not sure if it was my highest but I made 146 not out for Wests in a winning grand final versus Beenleigh. The next highest scorer was sundries on 16 – just one of those very rare days when everything goes right.
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
For self-preservation, it’s best I don’t talk about my bowling. I was once even barred from the nets…shameful.
Who have been the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Cathryn Fitzpatrick – Australia’s greatest fast bowler and knew I didn’t wear a thigh pad. Generally couldn’t walk for the following week.
Karen Rolton – I remember playing Rolts at the Adelaide Oval on an overcast day. I don’t think I laid bat on ball and am still seeking counselling.
Kirsten Pike – my best mate and it was always a great battle playing against her at Sandgate.
Who has been the best three spinners you have played against?
Belinda Matheson (now Belinda McDougall) – luckily was mostly on my team but was a very attacking spinner with a great arm ball. Retired far too early.
Lisa Sthalekar – was always a great battle playing Lisa…very crafty and knew how to limit my strengths.
Louise Broadfoot – former Victorian, now Queenslander who had great control as a leg spinner. Got me out far too many times when my ambition to dance down the wicket exceeded my ability.
Who has been the best 3 batsmen you’ve played against? .
Belinda Clark – next level when it came to technique.
Karen Rolton – I remember captaining against Rolts knowing as a left-hander she was very strong square of the wicket. I literally had 3 points and she still pierced the gap.
Alex Blackwell – always so determined and innovative with her stroke play.
Belinda Clark
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Julia Price – made it look effortless, not to mention the impeccable banter behind the stumps.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
My opportunity to play under her was very brief but I’d definitely say Belinda Clark. She was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame and is widely regarded as the best women’s cricketer to have played the game. When I was growing up I always had 3 cricketing goals:
1) To play for Australia
2) To open the batting with Belinda Clark (the timeframe for me to do so was quite short given she was close to retirement)
3) To win a title with Queensland.
So to open the batting with Belinda Clark on my debut for Australia was an absolute dream come true. When Belinda spoke, you listened.
It’s also been a pleasure to watch Kirby Short’s captaincy of the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Fire over the last few years. Her leadership of a young playing group has been outstanding.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Courtney Hill – was an absolute pest but a lovable one.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
I can’t remember a specific one from the field but I did come home one day after scoring a duck and my Mum said “Melissa, I can’t believe you can score a duck with all that training you do”. In fairness, she had a point.
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
I may or may not have got out to a double-bouncer at Wynnum.
Who was your childhood hero?
Matthew Hayden
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Cathy Freeman, Steffi Graf, Serena Williams.
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Mel Jones (she also dyed my hair super blonde during a low moment of one of my early Australian tours…it was a good six months before my natural growth found its way through).
What was your favourite ground to play at?
As an opening batter I always enjoyed playing at the WACA for the fast pitch and outfield; Allan Border Field was always my home and a wonderful place to play and watch cricket.
What there a particular team you especially looked forward to playing against?
NSW – for nothing more than the QLD / NSW rivalry.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
Definitely the friendships…and playing a nice straight drive back past the bowler.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
It’s a lineball decision - walking out to open the batting in my first ever game for Australia with Belinda Clark; and winning the T20 title for Queensland in my very last game.
Oh and how could I forget….winning a blue Tiffany vacuum cleaner (Tiffany was like the modern-day Aldi of appliances) as a player of the match award in a win over Victoria. I consider the girls very fortunate that there have been major advancements in the reward and remuneration department since the late 90’s. (Sidenote, Karen Rolton received an orange juicer the next day so I consider myself quite lucky).
Perhaps they were trying to stop you sweeping - editor
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Winning Queensland’s first title with the Fire in 2014. We won the T20 final at the WACA in the season before it became the Big Bash. It was also my very last game.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Kirsten Pike, Jude Coleman, Belinda Matheson (now McDougall)
What are your hobbies?
Yelling at my children, creating unnecessary excel spreadsheets, reminiscing about life pre-kids.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Keep it simple (I’m a notorious overthinker)
What is your current occupation?
Director at Binnacle Training.
Let’s give your employer a plug, who do you work for?
Binnacle Training is a Registered Training Organisation helping teachers deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools. We’re 100% devoted to providing secondary schools and colleges with the support and teaching resources required to make life easier for teachers.
