Michael Kasprowicz

Michael Kasprowicz

Michael Scott Kasprowicz (born 10 February 1972) is a former Australian Test cricketer. He is a right arm fast bowler, effective outfielder and useful lower order batsman, and has enjoyed a successful career both in Australia and in the English county scene since making his debut for Queensland as a seventeen year old in the 1989–1990 domestic season. He was an AIS Australian Cricket Academy scholarship holder in 1990-1991. Kasprowicz was one of the top performing fast bowlers in Australian cricket over the past decade, and his solid performances for Queensland earned him a Test debut against West Indies in his native Brisbane in November 1996. However, he would go through his first two Test matches for Australia wicketless.

The start to his international career was patchy and resulted in his omission from the Australian team, but his performances for Queensland and various counties in England meant he stayed in the eyes of the national selectors. After being in and out of the side since his debut, Kasprowicz returned in 2004 to hold down a regular spot ahead of Brett Lee. To highlight his return to the team, Kasprowicz enjoyed a successful 2004, capturing an impressive 47 Test wickets for the calendar year.

After the 2005 Ashes loss to England, Kasprowicz was dropped from the Australian team and his Cricket Australia contract was not extended. However, he had a successful 2005/06 domestic season with Queensland, taking 44 wickets. This effort earned him a tenth recall to the national side to replace Glenn McGrath as Brett Lee's new ball partner. McGrath had stayed home from the South Africa tour after his wife's recurrence of cancer.

Kasprowicz represents Mumbai Champs in the Indian Cricket League. Kasprowicz's name was not added to the list of national contract awardees announced by the ACB on 1 May 2007, and on 8 February 2008 he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket effective 16 February.