The NSW cricket community is saddened by the passing this week of former Blues (cap #511) and Australian Test (cap #217) player Frank Misson, aged 85.
Born in Darlinghurst in Sydney, Misson was inspired to become a fast bowler after watching the great Ray Lindwell in 1950. As he grew through his teens he became a stellar athlete, going on to train as a runner in Portsea with legendary coach Percy Cerutty, whose influence rubbed off on Misson, leading to a fascination with health and fitness that was ahead of his time.
At just twenty years of age when he made his First-Class debut in the last Sheffield Shield match of the 1958/59 season, Misson took 3/31 and 3/64 and New South Wales won by an innings and 103 runs and retained the Shield.
By the end of 1959/60, Misson had won a place in an Australian second XI that toured New Zealand. In three matches against New Zealand, he took 17 wickets at 12.47, leading to higher honours.
In 1960/61, the West Indies toured Australia and Misson made his Test debut in the Second Test, replacing an injured Ian Meckiff. Misson took a wicket with his second ball, and with Meckiff back for the Third Test, Misson carried the drinks. Meckiff missed the last two Tests and Misson was used again.
On the 1961 Ashes Tour, Misson played in the first Two Tests, but an Achilles injury thereafter limited his use, both on the tour and in the rest of his career. He took 16 wickets at 38.50 in his five Tests with a best of 4-58.
His First-Class career ended in 1963/64 with 177 wickets at 31.13 in 71 matches. Of those, 42 were for New South Wales, and in those he took 85 wickets at 37.72.
Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said Misson’s passing would be felt by the cricket community.
“We pass on our sincerest condolences to Frank’s family and friends, especially all of those that played with him as part of the NSW Men’s Team and the Australian Men’s Team,” Germon said.
“Frank’s career was cut short by injury, which was ironic considering the focus he had on health, diet and fitness in an era where sports science was not very prevalent.
“His five Test caps are recognition of his talent and determination and there is little doubt that if it wasn’t for injury he would have played many more times for his state and country.”
