da marjack bet： Jenny Thompson pays tribute to Australian fast bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick who has retired, aged 39
da aposte e ganhe： Jenny Thompson28-Mar-2007
Cathryn Fitzpatrick: 75mph rockets © Getty Images
This, it seems, is the year for blond Australian bowling legends toretire. First Warne and McGrath said goodbye, now it’s time to thank Cathryn Fitzpatrick, their peerless fast bowler, for her contribution. Like Shaneand Glenn, she will be missed and, like Shane and Glenn, she’ll behard to replace.Her retirement was just as shocking as theirs. Of course it wasinevitable, as she’s now nearing 40, yet, as with Warnie, all alongyou still secretly clung on to the child-like hope that somehow theywould go on forever, in some cricketing NeverNeverLand. But then cameconfirmation that she is, after all, mortal. She retired. “You can’tkeep playing forever,” she confessed.Yet it seemed that she would. Even immediately prior to her bowingout, she was at the peak of powers in the World Series in India, asfit now as she was when she first hurled down one of her 75mph rocketsfor Australia a whopping 16 years ago. Sixteen years at international level is impressive enough for a male, but for a female – often forcedto put their ‘real’ career on hold, or with thoughts turning to afamily – it’s remarkable.For those who faced her, those 16 years of being the world’soutstanding female pace bowler would have felt like 60. CharlotteEdwards, England’s captain and formidable batsman, enjoyed many a duelwith the woman they called the female Brett Lee, although perhapsBrett Lee was the male Fitzpatrick. “It was always a challenge to face her,” says Edwards. “You always knew that you had to raise your game. I looked forward to it, though, because you always knew you were goingto be tested.”
Fitzpatrick was prolific for her state side, Victoria, too © Getty Images
Fitzpatrick was certainly Lee in style, tearing in, pinging them downand watching the stumps cartwheel. But she also had the fierce economy of McGrath – 1.91 in Tests and 3.01 in one-dayers. Her 180 ODI wicketscame at a ridiculously economic 16.79. The numbers just keep stacking up: she was also the first bowler to 150 one-day wickets, and finished with 180 from her109 one-dayers at an impressive strike-rate of 33.42. At state level, she also holds the record for most wickets in a career, with 198 for Victoria.When she did retire it was on an inevitable high, afterhelping Australia win the World Series, and as a two-time World Cupwinner. She could have gone on longer. So why didn’t she? “There areonly so many pre-seasons you can do.”Her departure leaves a gaping hole in Australia’s attack, with no obvious candidate to replace her. But she could have a hand inunearthing, and nurturing, the next Fitzpatrick. She has been developing her coaching skills for a long time now. Indeed, last year she won a scholarship with the Australian Sports Commission. Controversy courtedher when she was called in to help the Australian men’s team; butmaybe, just maybe, with such a frightening economy rate and smooth action she hadsomething to say.She believes she does, and takes inspiration from John Harmer, the formerAustralia coach who went on to coach England, too. “I believe that noother individual has had a bigger impact on women’s cricket than John,and that’s why I know it’s so vital to have quality coaches in thesystem.” And now it’s Tim Neilsen who’s inspiring her, by teaching herto coach.”Cricket has cost me a lot of money and a lot of time,” she said two years ago, “but something makes me want to keep going.” While it may not be in the playing arena any more, she will certainly be contributing off the pitch.