Frank Pitcher holds a unique, if unwelcome, place in cricket history as the only man to be no-balled for throwing on his first-class debut. In was also his only appearance. A right-arm medium-pace bowler, he was picked to play for Victoria against the South Africans at the MCG. His first three deliveries were called three times by the notorious campaigner against chuckers, Bob Crockett, and, clearly shaken, he was immediately taken off. The next day he was called by Crockett's colleague, and the Melbourne Age backed the decision, referring to "an undeniable throw". Pitcher attempted to change his action with no success and he was again taken out of the attack after the over. Those two wretched but historic overs constituted his entire first-class career. Pitcher continued to play grade cricket without incident up to the Great War.
Martin Williamson