Former Australia pacer Frank Misson passes away at 85

Former Australian and New South Wales pacer Frank Misson has passed away at the age of 85. Misson had a brief international career, playing five Tests for Australia in 1960 before an Achilles injury cut his career short.

Misson's standout performance came against the West Indies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he took 4/58. This match followed the historic first tied Test in cricket history. Despite his short international career, Misson made a significant impact in first-class cricket, featuring in 71 matches for New South Wales and securing 177 wickets at an average of 31.13 from 1958/59 to 1963/64.

In his younger days, Misson was an exceptional athlete, training with renowned Australian middle-distance coach Percy Cerutty. Cerutty also coached Herb Elliott, who won gold in the 1500m at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell recalled Misson's dedication to fitness during the 1961 Ashes tour. Chappell shared that while the team traveled to England by boat, Misson maintained his rigorous training regimen by running laps on the deck, despite obstacles created by other players.

"The 1961 Australian team travelled to England by boat, but Misson was not to be denied his training regime. As he ran laps of the deck, some of the less physically-minded players sitting in the bar saw Misson flash past the window. Perhaps embarrassed by Misson's zealous workouts, they decided to complicate his exercise regime by placing deck chairs in his path. When Misson hurdled the first set of obstacles and did the same to yet another layer of chairs, the bar rats relented and left him to train in peace," Chappell said.

Lee Germon, Chief Executive of NSW, paid tribute to Misson, noting that his career was cut short by injury. Germon expressed condolences to Misson's family and friends, acknowledging his talent and dedication. 

"We pass on our sincerest condolences to Frank's family and friends, especially all of those that played with him as part of the NSW men's team and the Australian men's team. Frank's career was cut short by injury, which was ironic considering the focus he had on health, diet, and fitness in an era where sports science was not very prevalent. His five Test caps are recognition of his talent and determination, and there's little doubt that if it wasn't for injury, he would've played many more times for his state and country," Germon said..

Misson's legacy in physical wellness continues through his son, David Misson, who served as the fitness advisor for the Australian men's team and New South Wales in the late 1990s and early 2000s.