Laurie Mayne, Australian cricketer

Lawrence Charles Mayne: An Overview of the Australian Fast Bowler

Lawrence Charles Mayne, often known by his nickname Laurie Mayne, born on 23 January 1942, is a revered former Australian cricketer. A formidable right-arm fast bowler, Mayne represented his country in six Test matches, making a significant impact during his first-class career before its relatively early conclusion.

Early Career and Breakthrough in Western Australia

Mayne's journey in first-class cricket began auspiciously with Western Australia during the 1961–62 season. In his very first match, a Sheffield Shield fixture against New South Wales in Perth, he immediately showcased his potential by taking an impressive seven wickets for 75 runs in the second innings. This remarkable debut performance hinted at the consistent threat he would become with the ball.

He solidly established himself as a pivotal member of the Western Australian state team in the 1964–65 season, a period where his consistent performance was undeniable. During this season, he claimed a commendable 22 wickets, demonstrating his growing effectiveness and reliability as a primary strike bowler. This strong domestic showing naturally brought him to the attention of national selectors.

Test Debut and International Challenges

Mayne's standout performances earned him a coveted spot in the Australian squad selected to tour the West Indies at the conclusion of the 1964–65 domestic season. This was a challenging tour, with the West Indies team at the peak of their formidable power.

He made his much-anticipated Test debut in the First Test at Kingston, Jamaica, where he delivered a highly promising performance, securing four wickets in each innings for a match total of eight wickets. Despite this strong start, the rigorous demands of Test cricket saw him struggle for impact in the subsequent two Tests, leading to him unfortunately losing his place in the side.

A Resurgent Season and Overseas Tours

Demonstrating resilience and determination, Laurie Mayne's next full season for Western Australia, in 1968–69, proved to be an exceptional one. He enjoyed a prolific period, capturing an outstanding 41 wickets, firmly reasserting his position as one of Australia's premier fast bowlers. This resurgence once again caught the eye of the national selectors, resulting in his selection for the demanding 1969–70 tour that spanned Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), India, and South Africa.

During this extensive tour, Mayne featured in the Fifth Test against India and subsequently played in the Third and Fourth Tests in South Africa. His first-class career concluded on a high note in the final match of the South African tour. Facing Orange Free State, he recorded an impressive five-wicket haul for just 26 runs in their second innings. This memorable performance culminated with him taking a wicket with the very last ball of the match, securing victory for the Australians in what was his final first-class appearance at the age of 28.

An Unexpected Batting Highlight

While primarily known for his bowling prowess, Mayne was generally considered a limited batsman, typically occupying the number 10 or 11 position in the batting order. However, he defied expectations during the 1969–70 tour to India. In a match against East Zone in Gauhati, batting at number nine, he scored a remarkable 72 runs. This exceptional innings included a crucial 113-run partnership for the ninth wicket with leg-spinner John Gleeson, contributing significantly to the Australians' 96-run victory. The importance of his innings is further highlighted by the fact that the next-highest score in the entire match was only 37 runs. This remains Laurie Mayne's highest first-class score, a testament to his unexpected, yet impactful, contribution with the bat.

Professional Stint in England

Prior to his second national tour, Mayne also gained valuable professional experience in England. He spent two seasons, in 1968 and 1969, playing for Burnley Cricket Club in the prestigious Lancashire League. During his time there, he proved to be incredibly prolific, taking an impressive total of 184 wickets, showcasing his consistency and adaptability to different playing conditions.

Post-Playing Career and Coaching Philosophy

After his playing career, Lawrence Mayne transitioned into coaching, specifically focusing on fast bowlers. Drawing upon his extensive experience and understanding of the physical and mental demands of pace bowling, he offered invaluable advice. A key tenet of his coaching philosophy was encouraging bowlers to visualize their run-ups. This technique aimed to help them shorten their run-ups, a practical strategy designed to reduce the likelihood of bowling no-balls and, crucially, to mitigate the risk of career-threatening injuries that often plague fast bowlers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lawrence Charles Mayne

What position did Laurie Mayne play in cricket?
Laurie Mayne was primarily a right-arm fast bowler. He usually batted as a tail-ender, at positions number 10 or 11.
How many Test matches did Laurie Mayne play for Australia?
Lawrence Charles Mayne played in six Test matches for the Australian cricket team.
What was Laurie Mayne's highest first-class score?
Laurie Mayne's highest first-class score was 72, made for the Australians against East Zone in Gauhati during the 1969–70 tour. This innings also featured a significant 113-run ninth-wicket partnership with John Gleeson.
Did Laurie Mayne play professional cricket in England?
Yes, Laurie Mayne played as a professional cricketer for Burnley in the Lancashire League for two seasons (1968 and 1969), where he took 184 wickets.
What coaching advice did Laurie Mayne give fast bowlers?
As a coach, Laurie Mayne advised fast bowlers to visualize their run-ups, with the goal of shortening them. This technique aimed to help them avoid bowling no-balls and reduce the risk of injuries.