The 21 year old Shaun Tait is a breath of fresh air in Australian cricket, where there is many fast medium quicks in Australian cricket there are very few genuine quick bowlers. Shaun Tait has got no higher praise than from Steve Waugh who rates him as the quickest and meanest bowler in first class cricket, and Tait has the reputation as the bowler batsmen least like to face. As such it is no surprise that today when Brett Lee was ruled out of the Sri Lankan tour, that Tait was chosen to replace him.
Its been a general tradition in Australian cricket that genuine bowling prospects are picked early in their career. Names of pace bowlers picked early have been Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Glen McGrath, Craig McDermott, Bruce Reid, Dennis Lillie, Jeff Thompson and the list goes on .History suggests that Tait has what it takes to take the world of international cricket by storm, and he has the pace and aggression to do it.
Shaun Tait’s expedition into big time cricket did not start off well when he was not picked for the last triumphant Australian youth world cup side 3 years ago. Nonetheless Shaun Tait pushed on and made his first class cricket debut last season bowling 125 overs and taking 20 wickets at 22.55, with a strike rate of 38 and a best bowling effort of 5 for 68. After a good debut season, Tait was chosen to attend the AIS cricket academy in the off season.
After many accolades early in the season, Shaun Tait was given an opportunity against India in a 4-day game for Australia A, Tait bowled 20 overs and took 3 for 85 and impressed many judges with his express pace and bounce. Selectors rewarded Tait again when he played for Australia A against Zimbabwe, and the Prime Minister’s XI against India. Whilst Tait only took 2 wickets in both games against Zimbabwe, Tait again impressed selectors with the Zimbabwe batsmen particularly not handling the bounce he was able to get off the wicket, especially Vusimuzi Sibanda, who struggled against Tait’s’ pace and bounce. Another highlight of Tait’s season was his best one day cricket figures of 9.3 overs taking 8 for 43 against Tasmania, taking the last 3 wickets in 4 balls. Tait’s first class figures this season was 231 overs, 30 wickets at 28.33, his one day cricket figures were 73 overs 18 wickets at 19.62 with a strike rate of 24. With figures like these it was no surprise that Tait was named rookie player of the year at the AB medal wards earlier this year.
With Kasprowicz breaking down in the first test, Tait may add a new baggy green to his selection in the Australian tour squad, also if Brett Lee is unfit for Zimbabwe, Tait is likely to be picked.
Well done Shaun and may the Sri Lankan batsmen beware of the name Tait.