Chris Brittain - don’t just watch the ball, watch for the seam

Andrew King | June 18, 2023

Chris Brittain has had a great influence on all the teams he has played in. He’s won premierships, played for Victoria under 19s and is the proud owner of Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club first grade player number 45.

Let’s find out more about Chris journey in the game

What year you were born?

1979

Can you remember you first game of cricket?

In my first game of cricket, I made 5 runs which was my second highest score for the year. I still have the report card for my first season, my total runs for the year were 18 with a top score of 11. I can remember my Pa saying that I’m too small after he came and watched one of my many ducks that first season haha. Pretty sure I was 9 when I started.

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?

I started my cricketing journey at Delacombe Park where I played all my juniors and some seniors. I then went to Frankston for a short stint which included playing for the Vic under 19’s and playing for Frankston’s first eleven. I was still a youngster in the 19’s and made the most runs for us in the under 19 carnival. From there I gave up cricket for a little while before returning back to the MPCA which included a stint at Long Island CC and one provincial flag, Delacombe Park CC, Heatherhill CC (two Provincial Flags and the Vic 20/20 cup at the MCG. Ferntree Gully footballer CC, Baxter CC (one Provincial Flag)

I also spent a year in England playing for Chesterville CC which I loved. I’ve just recently agreed to play at Langwarrin CC which I’m really looking forward to. Some might say that I’ve played at a few clubs well my wife Louise certainly reminds me haha but I’ve loved every club I’ve played for and especially loved all the friends I’ve made. I wouldn’t change anything.

In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?

I made my senior debut at Delacombe Park at the age of 13. I’m pretty sure it was in the fourths at Delacombe Park. Adam Voight was my captain and we played down at Mt Martha

What was the highest grade you played and can you remember what you were feeling when you were selected and how did you perform on debut?

The highest grade I have played was for Frankston Peninsulas 1st. My first game was against South Melbourne and Damian Fleming was playing and I was a big fan of Flemos as he was playing for Australia at the time. It was a great introduction to the top level, and I must of pissed him off when he ran down the wicket after letting one fly past my nose and said hit that you little &^% after I cut him for 4 the previous ball. Being picked was a great feeling and it was on the back of some really good second eleven scores and a strong under 19 tournament.

This Q&A with Chris Brittain is proudly sponsored by Capital Edge

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If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?

As a cricketer I would say I’m a batting allrounder. Back in the day I used to be able to open the bowling. I miss those days.

What were your strengths as a player?

My strengths as a cricketer is with my batting, being able to take on the bowling and taking the game away from the opposition. Bowling I’d say I can come on and hopefully grab a quick wicket when we need one.

What was your highest score in senior cricket?

My highest score is 238 for Baxter CC against Moorooduc CC at Baxter 1

What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?

My best bowling is 6 for 10 against Mt Eliza. I have a few 6 wicket hauls

Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?

The best three fast bowlers I have played against are Scott Phillips – especially as a young fella he would bowl quick, his front foot would seriously go above his head when he hit the crease. I always said if he was a few inches taller he would have played for Australia.

Damian Fleming – played for Australia record speaks for itself.

Abdul Razzaq from Pakistan – we played them in a warm up game on a green wicket for the under 19’s. I went in very early, first ball hit me flush in the chest and I didn’t see it. In a way I’m glad it hit me as it woke me up and prepared me for the rest of his deliveries.

Damien Fleming

Who were the best three spinners you have played against? 

The best three spinners I have played against are John Forrest – great competitor who gives you nothing to hit.

Matty Prossor – getting better every year bowling leg spin. I know I haven’t played against him but played with I have to put Yohan in there as he is an exceptional leg spinner who bowls quicker than normal with great control.

Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?

Rob Bedford – The best I’ve seen and the Goat batsmen of the MPCA.

Paul Bradley – Bradley was a freak, and I witnessed some unbelievable 100s from him.

Michael Klinger - as young fella I watched in awe of him gee he was good.

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Rob Bedford in a country week final at the Albert. Rob made 150 and I remember standing with Brad Glenn on the balcony, we were just shaking our heads in disbelief watching him slog sweep balls into the golf course. Amazing to witness.

Was there any bowler in particular who whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?

Eivion Bowen – Probably not known for his bowling but for some reason his slow wobblers found a way of getting me out.

Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to?

When I played against Pakistan’s under 19 team. It was full on express from both ends on a greenish wicket. It was a challenge but a rewarding one when I top scored for us.

Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Brad Glenn – Played with Glenny at Frankston, Vic Country and for the MPCA Purples. He was so clean with his hands and was unbelievable up at the stumps to the slowies especially to Paul Waterhouse.

Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?

Scott Phillips and Paul Bradley. Both were all-round freaks who could win a game with the bat, ball or even in the field.

Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?

Paul Hartle – Paul was an unbelievable all-round player who led our team with the bat and ball. The team would listen when he was talking, he had this certain look and you knew if you received this look you needed to lift or you would be in trouble. He always had the whole teams respect.

Who has been your funniest team mate?

Dwayne field or Jason Hamilton- Smith. Both for very different reasons. Fieldy was a larrikin who would make you laugh on and off the field where as Hammer was a prankster who would play games on people or team mates and get satisfaction out of embarrassing others. Loved them both

Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?

Hammer put something in Simon Parrotts gloves, I think it was fruit of some sorts before he went out to bat. It had the whole team in a fit when he found them out in the middle.

Who was your childhood hero?

Michael Jordan – still love the man and just bought 8 pairs of Jordan’s not long ago. Steve Waugh and Jason Dunstall.

Michael Jordan

Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?

Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Ricky Ponting.

Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?

Michael Vaughn love his honesty, and he reads the game well. Back in the day was Richie Benaud he was the greatest.

What was your favourite ground to play at?

My favourite ground has to be Graydens Road. I loved playing there many years ago, you could hear the crack of the ball hitting the bat through the trees and it just had a feel to it. Bring it back MPCA. Special mention must go Queens Park in Chesterfield, Derbyshire for the most picturesque ground.

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

4 provincial flags, 4 x country week and 1 Ferntree Gully premierships and the VIC VB 20/20 win at the MCG. There all memories for life.

What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?

Was when I was playing for Long Island. We were playing YCW and they had put on around 360 on the first day. We ended up chasing it down with myself and Michael Bourke at the crease when we passed them. It was a huge chase and I don’t think anyone thought we had a chance against a super YCW team.

Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?

Simon Dignan, Scott Phillips and Joel Malcolm

What are your hobbies?

Trying to keep fit, cricket and running around with the kids

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

Don’t just watch the ball, watch for the seam - from the late great Dean Jones. Also that you only live once so enjoy it.

What’s your occupation?

Plumber and I own Whitehead Plumbing.

If you were running a state cricket association what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?

If was I was running state cricket I would make sure all juniors games score their games from under 10’s up. The kids love this part of the game even if they don’t win. There also seems to be a lot of different representative teams at each age group. There should be one team that the kids try to play. I’d make sure if you’re playing rep that it has to have its purpose. You don’t want to drive the good players away by playing unwarranted carnivals and burning them out. These teams have to have meaning to make you better.