Author relives terrifying pair’s feats
The feared combination of legendary Australian fast bowlers Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thompson has been encapsulated by Albany author Ian Brayshaw in his latest book.
Brayshaw’s latest release Lillee and Thommo — The Deadly Pair’s Reign of Terror reflects on the golden era of Australian cricket in the 1970s when the two pace bowlers were at their prime.
The former WA cricketer and journalist said the idea for the most recent work came after his 2014 book, The Miracle Match, which featured the heroics of Lillee in one of the greatest victories in Australian domestic cricket.
Brayshaw said he enjoyed writing about his good mate Lillee, with whom he had written four of his previous 26 books, and was full of admiration for his outstanding career.
“He always wanted the last ball of the day to be his best ball of the day,” Brayshaw said.
“He didn’t want to stagger through to the end.
“That spirit and will he showed for WA, he transferred to Australia.” In a period of dominance between 1972 and 1983, Lillee and Thompson were at their feared best, including the 1974-75 summer in England, when they combined for 57 wickets in six tests.
“Thommo was a terrifying figure,” Brayshaw said.
“The two of them were so different, though. Thommo wouldn’t say a word but Dennis would get in the face of the batsmen.”
The book will be officially launched on Tuesday, October 10 at Centennial Stadium from 6.30pm- 8.30pm. Tickets are $5.
Brayshaw will be joined by former WA teammate Ross Edwards to recall stories from the golden era of cricket.
Exclusive Dennis Lillee-signed stock will be available on the night.
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