Bob Massie: Bassendean to Lord's

Host David Baird talks with former Australian fast bowler Bob Massie about his journey from a young player-administrator at Bayswater Morley to his historic Test debut at Lord's. Bob shares candid stories of his early struggles, the tactics behind his famous 16-wicket haul against England, and his move into a long commentary career with the ABC. It's a reminder of how unpredictable elite sport can be, and of the lasting value of loyalty to your grassroots club. ## In this episode - **1:00** Realising at 18, after going wicketless in his first state match, that he had to lift his standard - **3:31** Playing club cricket in Scotland, for his father's heritage and regular practice with a Dukes ball - **6:05** Filling in as scorer for Bassendean, a fourth grade call-up, and 71 wickets in 10 games - **8:57** Earning his Sheffield Shield debut by winning a bowl-off against Bruce Yardley at the WACA - **11:08** Hearing he had been picked for Australia on the 8pm ABC radio news while visiting a friend in Sydney - **16:39** Lord's: the plan, hatched on the flight over, to bowl around the wicket to John Edrich - **18:15** A quick and frustrating end to his Test career after losing rhythm in the West Indies - **21:50** A long broadcasting career with the ABC, including calling the 1992 World Cup Final in front of 85,000 people - **26:50** Coaching: teaching swing to future Test bowlers Wayne Clark and Bruce Reid, and taking Bayswater Morley to a WACA grand final - **31:08** Why Greg Chappell was the best batter he ever bowled to ## Quotes > "I went out on the ground expecting a booming loudspeaker announcement. Nothing happened. Walked out to the center square, stood at the edge of the center square, looked around at the pavilion and the stands. Not a soul." > "I was about to change and I thought, hang on, instead of you chopping and changing, just stay here for a bit and see what happens. And, of course, they just kept nicking me." > "I just said, Alan, I'm not coming down the WACA anymore. I've had enough of this selection stuff. If you want me, you know where I am. But I won't be coming down to training anymore."