Mike Whitney - Cricket Legend
Michael Roy Whitney is an Australian television personality and former cricketer, who played in 12 Tests and 38 ODIs from 1981 to 1993, with best bowling figures of 7/27. Fast bowler Michael Whitney was a favourite among Australian and NSW cricket fans for both his sense of humour and whole-hearted approach to the game. He made his Test debut in 1981 at Old Trafford against England, when he was called on by the Australian touring party due to injuries while playing for Gloucestershire. However, he was then overlooked for six years afterwards and played almost all of his matches for Australia in the late 1980s and early '90s. He was Australia's most economical bowler in the 1992 World Cup and in the same season took 17 wickets in three Tests against India. Whitney became a much-celebrated number 11 batsman in the 1987 Boxing Day Test, surviving 18 deliveries and holding off Richard Hadlee to help secure a draw for Australia against New Zealand. Since retiring from cricket, he has worked in the media, most prominently as the host of Who Dares Wins (made in Australia, the show has been seen in America on cable's Game Show Network). He has also been a referee on the Australian version of TV game show Gladiators and continues to host a variety of travel programs. Mike is currently hosting Sydney Weekender (22nd year!), a show airing only in New South Wales. He has hosted Last Chance Learners and officially endorses Hamish and Andy's greyhound, Fred Basset. Mike is also part of the Indian Cricket League commentary team. On 8 of March 2009 Mike Whitney was inducted as a life member by the South Sydney Rabbitohs for his contribution in being a Director on the Football Club Board in the critical period during the Club’s battle for reinstatement to the competition between 1999 and 2001. He also played a decisive role in attracting fellow Life Member Kerry Stokes to the Club as a major sponsor upon its readmission to the competition in 2002, a coup that ensured the Club’s ability to make its triumphant return to the NRL competition. Mike is the Ambassador of the Gold Coast Sixes Cricket Carnivale that has its inaugural year in 2016. His band, suitably names MWB = Mike Whitney Band, will be launching its official carnival song in January of 2016. Check out Mike's GC6s videos here. In Mike's own words 'The best 3-day 4-night 6-a-side cricket carnival on the planet!' |
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