Andrew Sincock - never give up
East Torrens District Cricket Club | May 23, 2023
Andrew Sincock began his first grade cricket career for Kensington Cricket Club in the South Australian Premier Cricket Competition at the age of 15 during the 1966/67 cricket season.
In a grade cricket career from 1966/67 to 1994/95 Andrew took 762 first grade wickets. He is 3rd highest wicket taker overall in SACA.
Andrew Sincock made his first class debut for South Australia in 1974/75 and played 39 first class games taking 98 wickets at 38.94 including four 5 wickets hauls.
What year you were born?
1951
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
I was eleven and petrified. Made ten and took two wickets. As David Hookes used to say “Evil, there were an awful lot of unlucky batters after that!!”
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
In Adelaide Premier Cricket - Kensington(two stints), Teachers College, Adelaide, East Torrens (two stints), West Torrens, University (in Gentlemen’s Grade at the end of my career). South Australia, Australia Schools U19 Vice Captain in the West Indies.
At what age did you make your first grade debut in grade cricket and can you remember how you performed in debut?
Aged 15 and opened the bowling for Kensington “A’s”. Youngest quick bowler on record. Ashley Woodcock my first wicket. Ian Chappell my second wicket. Didn’t scare the scorers with my batting.
What were your strengths as a player?
Fitness and preparedness to bowl long spells but not keen on bowling into the wind.
Andrew Sincock
What was your highest score in senior cricket?
87 a couple of times (funny for a cricketer that number)
What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
9 for 50 Teachers College v West Torrens. Match figures of 12 wickets on a few occasions
You played 39 first class games for South Australia and took 98 wickets, how do you look back on your first class career?
The Sheffield Shield win in 1982 was the highlight. From a personal perspective taking 7 for 40 v India in a tour game.
I was unfortunately up and down as a First Class player as I was balancing study, marriage, children, a house and a professional business career which probably curtailed time to commit to the game at First Class level
Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson and Michael Holding. All quick and scary for a No 9, 10, 11 batter and it’s not fair that they swung the ball at that pace.
Dennis Lillee
Who were the best three spinners you have played against?
Bishen Bedi, Erapalli Prassana, Jim Higgs. All spun it and I’d swear they had the ball on a string
Bishen Bedi
Who were the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Graham Yallop, Greg Chappell, Sunil Gavasker. Where do you find their weaknesses??
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Jeff Moss, Victoria, made 200 plus against us and had a day out.
Was there any batsman in particular who for whatever reason seemed to cause you a few problems?
There were times when anyone with a bat was a problem!!
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used?
First two bowlers I faced where Dennis Lillee and the next game was Jeff Thomson. Enough said
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Kevin Wright, Rod Marsh, Trevor Robertson (SA). John Donaldson in club cricket
Australian Under 19 Schoolboys Tour of the West Indies 1969-70. Andrew Sincock is 2nd from the left in the front row
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Dennis Lillee, Gordon Greenidge (played for my club Adelaide), Greg and Ian Chappell. All of them unrelenting
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
David Hookes. Imagination and the guts to carry it through and his own skill
David Hookes
Who has been your funniest team mate?
Joe Scuderi at East Torrens
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Sure can but not really for publishing
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
Sadly there were a few. Getting out to set traps was annoying
Who was your childhood hero?
Eric Freeman. Port Adelade Footballer and South Australia and Australia Cricketer and a great person
Eric Freeman
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
F1 Drivers, Tom Brady
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Isa Guha these days
Can you share the two cricket journalist whose work you’ve enjoyed most over the years?
In Adelaide Peter Cornwall and Ray Barber who once wrote that “we fielded as if Adelaide Oval was a gibber plain in Addis Ababa” Bit Harsh I thought
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Adelaide Oval
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
The 7 for 40 v India, Sheffield Shield Win and coaching and captaining clubs to premierships and helping to grow the club and make them powerful.
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
1982 Shield win. We don’t win many of those in SA sadly.
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
David Hookes, Joe Scuderi, G Quinn from the club scene. Lots from First Class but Lillee and Thompson would have to be there.
What are your hobbies?
Living at American River on Kangaroo Island is a constant holiday and hobby. Catching fish and boating
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Never, ever, give up
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?
Strong Board made up of people who knows the history and culture of cricket, plus ex cricketers and exceptional administrators. Leadership is most important.
