Bruce Francis

An attacking right-hand bat, his cavalier attitude made him popular with player and the public, and his willingness to hit fast bowlers back over their heads was a highlight. His approach worked at domestic level, where he scored freely for New South Wales and in two seasons with Essex, but in Tests his defensive weaknesses were exposed. He made his international debut for Australia in three Tests against the Rest of the World in 1971-72, with little success before breaking his thumb (the matches were subsequently stripped of Test status). His spell with Essex was interrupted when he was picked to tour England in 1972, and he made another Test debut on that trip, playing in the first three matches, again with little reward. After retiring he remained close to the game, and was a key mover in the establishment of World Series Cricket in 1977 and the rebel Australian tour to South Africa in 1984-85.
Martin Williamson