Born 1954 Melbourne | Played for : Victoria and Australia

 

Ray Bright was possibly one of the best left arm spinners to come out of Australia since the Second World War. But unfortunately because of Australia's preference for fast bowlers (the wicket takers) Bright was more often than not, requested to bowl tight and defensive and not attacking.

 

His action was spoilt by playing two seasons of International one day matches in World Series Cricket, in order to save runs, his bowling trajectory became flatter therefore minimizing his effect. When he tried to go back to first class cricket, he struggled to increase the height of delivery and the dip that the great left arm bowlers had. Because of his decision to leave the ACB control and go to World Series Cricket, when a compromise was reached, Bright found himself on the fringe of the International side.

 

Playing against Pakistan in 1980, he took 10 wickets in the match at a cost of 111 runs, although Australia lost the match, it was hs best performance with a ball in Test cricket. He was then chosen for the famous Ashes series in 1981 (England) and played in 5 of the 6 Test matches (taking 12 wickets). One final interesting note, he passed Bill Lawry's record of 110 caps for Victoria by 4 before retiring in 1988.