Craig McDermott

Craig John McDermott (born 14 April 1965, in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia where he attended the Ipswich Grammar School) is a former Australian cricketer. He is currently the bowling coach for the Australian cricket team.

He was the spearhead of the Australian attack in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Red-haired, powerfully built at 191 cm, he was a sight to watch at full flight with his face painted with a horizontal line of white sun-screen across his nose and cheeks like Allan Donald of South Africa.

He started his career with Queensland in 1983–84 and made his Test match debut for Australia in 1984–85 whilst still 19 v West Indies (his youth engendering his nickname "Billy" – from Billy the Kid). In his first Ashes tour of 1985, he took 30 wickets. But he was over-bowled and was burnt out. He had an excellent World Cup in 1987, helping Australia win the trophy. He took 18 wickets in the tournament, including 5/44 in the semi-final win over Pakistan.

McDermott was a rhythm bowler. When his rhythm was right, he would have an aggressive approach to the wicket and an excellent sideways-on action, giving him sharp pace and outswing. But when his rhythm deserted him, he could look ordinary. He always saved his best for England, taking 32 wickets in the last full series that he was able to play before injuries took over. Injuries seemed to hit him at wrong times, and he missed the history making West Indies tour of 1995 and the 1996 World Cup. He also...
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