SJS
Hall of Fame Member
It is difficult for most of us to accept opinions that differ from our long held views. When thats the case, its easy to deny the credibility of otherwise competent, third party sources. I have seen highly respected critics/writers like Cardus, Thomson and Arlott disputed here on account of their never having played international cricket. Some cricketing greats being scoffed at for being biased in favour of the older generation closer to their playing days and now Bradman being considered not reliable as a analyst of fast bowling on the grounds that he was a batsman. I doubt how many of us who use these arguments to cast aspersions on the veracity of the opinions of these sources, ourselves get even close to the criteria we fix for determining the 'absolute' credibilty of another source of opinion !
In any event....
I saw Frank bowl that day at Northampton and there was no argument. He was exceptionally quick. I was asked what I thought about him. 'He's the quickest thing I've ever seen' I said, But I don't think he will last very long.' Immediately eyebrows were raised. Was I trying to knock this new quickie? This, however, was not my intention as I explained.
'Frank has an exceptionally long run up which isnt athletic. His approach is rather stiff jointed and his pace is derived from his very powerful shoulders and physique, When he goes into his delivery stride he not only lifts his left leg up higher than most bowlers, but he brings it down on the outside of his heel with his toe pointing to cover....and comes down very hard. This puts enormous strain on his leg and ankle. I think he will eventually hurt himself.'
Trueman, a fast bowler, writing on what was his reaction when he first laid eyes on Tyson.
Frank Tyson was the fastest bowler England has produced since the war. Just as a heavy weight fighter relies on a knock out punch for victory, Frank depended on sheer speed.
When I first encountered Frank, he used a long, ugly and rather clumsy run up. But in Australia he found he was able to generate the same speed and obtain greater control by using an abbreviated approach of under fifteen yards. This had become obvious in the nets where, off a few paces, he was much too quick for comfort. The reason was that his pace was derived from his body action, which incorporated a toe-drag and a magnificient pair of shoulders.
Trevor Bailey, a fast medium bowler, writing on his peer Frank Tyson.
In any event....
I saw Frank bowl that day at Northampton and there was no argument. He was exceptionally quick. I was asked what I thought about him. 'He's the quickest thing I've ever seen' I said, But I don't think he will last very long.' Immediately eyebrows were raised. Was I trying to knock this new quickie? This, however, was not my intention as I explained.
'Frank has an exceptionally long run up which isnt athletic. His approach is rather stiff jointed and his pace is derived from his very powerful shoulders and physique, When he goes into his delivery stride he not only lifts his left leg up higher than most bowlers, but he brings it down on the outside of his heel with his toe pointing to cover....and comes down very hard. This puts enormous strain on his leg and ankle. I think he will eventually hurt himself.'
Trueman, a fast bowler, writing on what was his reaction when he first laid eyes on Tyson.
Frank Tyson was the fastest bowler England has produced since the war. Just as a heavy weight fighter relies on a knock out punch for victory, Frank depended on sheer speed.
When I first encountered Frank, he used a long, ugly and rather clumsy run up. But in Australia he found he was able to generate the same speed and obtain greater control by using an abbreviated approach of under fifteen yards. This had become obvious in the nets where, off a few paces, he was much too quick for comfort. The reason was that his pace was derived from his body action, which incorporated a toe-drag and a magnificient pair of shoulders.
Trevor Bailey, a fast medium bowler, writing on his peer Frank Tyson.
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