Tim May was an offspinner capable of maintaining good flight and accuracy over marathon spells, and a tenacious tail-end batsman. While his greatest success came as a Test player, he also appeared in 47 ODIs and was a member of Australia's triumphant 1987 World Cup side. His most famous contribution was in 1992-93, in the fourth Test against the West Indies. Recalled to the team and playing on his home ground in Adelaide, he brought Australia back into contention with career-best figures of 5 for 9 off 6.5 overs, and then shared in a 40-run last-wicket stand with Craig McDermott - only to witness his partner's dismissal from the non-striker's end. May finished unbeaten on 42, his highest Test score, and West Indies claimed the Test - and went on to win the series - by a margin of just one run. The match also marked the first time May was partnered with Shane Warne. The combination was particularly effective on the 1993 Ashes tour when May finished with 21 wickets and Warne picked up 34. In subsequent series wickets became scarcer for May, but he was able to dry up runs and his long spells also reduced Warne's workload.

May retained an active role after retiring by becoming the inaugural CEO of the Australian Cricketers' Association in 1997, and latterly the chief executive of the Federation of International Players' Associations. He resigned from the Australian job in 2005 to move to the United States with his wife, but held on to the international post.
Cricinfo staff