Michael Kasprowicz

Michael Kasprowicz is a former Australian fast bowler who played for his country between 1996 and 2006. A talented right arm quick who terrorized batsmen especially on subcontinent pitches; he was first recognized at age 17 when he played for his home side Queensland and made rapid progress since then.

Like most Aussie bowlers, Kasprowicz learnt the art of bowling out-swingers on the Gabba but unlike most other Aussie bowlers, developed a penchant to take wickets in alien conditions, like the subcontinent. His incredible ability to generate pace, swing, reverse swing and accuracy on flat subcontinent pitches helped to coin the name ‘Subcontinent Specialist’. In spite of his bowling potential, he was however, not the first choice bowler to represent the country. McGrath, Fleming, Gillespie and Lee were usually used ahead of Kasprowicz. He did however make the most of his opportunities whenever given a chance to. He was Australia’s go-to man in times of distress and usually came out of these situations on top.

Kasprowicz was a good outfielder as well like most Aussies and proved his worth time and again in the field. In 2004, the Kasprowicz-led bowling attack helped Australia break the 34-year-old stranglehold that India had over Australia who finally won a Test series there. Needless to say, ‘Kasper’ was the star of the show. He ended his career by helping Australia win a nail-biting match against South Africa at Johannesburg by putting on a 19-run partnership with Brett Lee. Following his playing days, Kasper took to television commentary and still continues to be one of the top commentators and enthusiasts of the game.