The Birth of a Fast Bowler
Geoff Lawson, born on December 7, 1957, was one of the best fast bowlers cricket has ever seen.
He etched a permanent mark in cricketing history with his blistering spells and weird off-field personality.
This thin man’s aggressive bowling style and goose-stepping delivery stride made the world witness a magic show at the crease during the peak years in the 1980s.
His cricketing career took off when he bowled a bouncer that rattled England’s Geoff Boycott in a tour game, announcing his arrival as a force to be reckoned with.
He became an important player for Australia, playing in 46 Tests wearing the Baggy Green.
During his career, Lawson took 180 wickets and proved his ability to dismantle batting line-ups.
One of the greatest knocks of his career came in the 1982-83 Ashes series when he took 34 wickets and left the Englishmen men baffled.
A Unique Blend of Cricket and Optometry
Outside the cricket field, however, there was another side to Lawson. A qualified optician, he combined science and cricket to significant fun effect.
At one point, when quite a few appeals were turned down, Lawson seriously examined an umpire’s spectacles—a bit that put him in the fine book but which underlined his spirit at the same time.
Lawson’s passion for the game went beyond playing.
Even after retirement, he contributed as a coach and commentator, sharing his knowledge and insights with future generations.
Known for his fiery spells, Lawson was also respected for his sharp intellect and the ease with which he juggled cricket and optometry.
Beyond numbers, Geoff Lawson’s legacy extends; he remains a symbol of grit, intelligence and humour, a unique blend of gifts that sets him apart as an outstanding figure in cricketing history.
Reference: ESPNcricinfo
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