David Sincock, Australian cricketer

David John Sincock, born on 1 February 1942, is a former Australian cricketer whose brief but impactful career saw him play in three Test matches for the national team between 1964 and 1966. Primarily a left-arm orthodox spinner, Sincock was an enigmatic figure on the field, known for his unique blend of exceptional skill and perplexing inconsistency.

The Paradoxical Art of "Evil Dick"

Affectionately, or perhaps ironically, nicknamed "Evil Dick" by his teammates, David Sincock's bowling prowess captivated even the most legendary figures in cricket. Sir Garry Sobers, widely considered one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport, famously declared Sincock "one of the most interesting bowlers I have ever played against." Sobers highlighted Sincock's extraordinary ability to impart spin, claiming he turned the ball more than any other bowler Sobers had ever faced. Crucially, Sincock possessed an "unreadable googly" – a particularly deceptive delivery that, for a left-arm orthodox spinner, spins away from the right-handed batsman, often appearing to be his stock ball that turns into them. This rare and difficult variation made him a formidable challenge for batsmen when executed precisely.

However, the very characteristic that made Sincock so intriguing was also his downfall: inconsistency. Sobers, despite his admiration, candidly noted that for every unplayable delivery, Sincock might bowl an over marred by "long hops" (short deliveries that sit up to be hit) and "full tosses" (balls delivered without bouncing, making them easy to score off). This stark contrast between brilliance and waywardness ultimately curtailed his international career.

A Test Career Cut Short: The 1965-66 Ashes Debacle

Sincock's final Test appearance came during the pivotal 1965-66 Ashes series against England. He played in the Third Test at Sydney, a match that proved to be a significant turning point in Australian cricket history. Despite making a fighting 29 and 27 with the bat, Sincock's bowling figures of 0/98 reflected the team's overall struggle. Australia suffered their worst home defeat in over 50 years in that match, a crushing blow that necessitated a dramatic response from the national selectors.

The immediate aftermath of this severe loss led to a major team overhaul. The selectors promptly dropped five players from the squad, including David Sincock and the stand-in captain, Brian Booth. Neither Sincock nor Booth would ever represent Australia in Test cricket again, marking an abrupt end to their international aspirations following what was perceived as a collective failure.

Life Beyond First-Class Cricket: A Unique Perspective

Following the 1965–66 season, David Sincock chose to step away from the demanding world of first-class cricket. He relocated to Sydney, where he continued to play at a competitive level for the Sydney Grade Cricket club Northern District. This move highlighted a shift in his priorities, as professional cricket, even at the highest level, was not his ultimate ambition.

Sincock famously articulated his philosophy regarding professional sports, stating, "I definitely didn't want to be a professional sportsman ... Once I'd got a guy out I couldn't really see the point in getting him out again next week." This candid remark offers a rare insight into his unique approach to competition, suggesting a preference for diverse challenges over repetitive sporting pursuits. True to his word, David Sincock successfully transitioned into a distinguished career as a business executive, demonstrating his capabilities extended well beyond the cricket field.

Frequently Asked Questions About David Sincock

How many Test matches did David Sincock play for Australia?
David Sincock played in three Test matches for the Australian cricket team.
Who famously praised David Sincock's bowling ability?
Sir Garry Sobers, one of cricket's greatest all-rounders, praised David Sincock, calling him "one of the most interesting bowlers" he had played against.
What made David Sincock's bowling unique and challenging?
Sincock was a left-arm orthodox spinner known for imparting exceptional turn on the ball and possessing an "unreadable googly" – a deceptive delivery that spun unexpectedly for batsmen. However, his inconsistency often marred his brilliance.
Why was David Sincock's Test career so short?
His Test career was brief due to a combination of his bowling inconsistency and a significant team shake-up following Australia's severe home defeat to England in the 1965-66 Ashes series, in which he played his final Test.
What did David Sincock do after his first-class cricket career?
After the 1965-66 season, David Sincock moved away from first-class cricket, played for Northern District in Sydney Grade Cricket, and embarked on a successful career as a business executive.