INTERVIEW: Len Pascoe

The first player of Croatian descent to play test cricket was none other than the great fast bowler Len Pascoe. Pascoe, who made his test debut at Lord's against England in 1977 went on to play 14 tests and 29 One Day Internationals for Australia. Pascoe, who boasts an amazing ODI bowling average of 2011 was one of the stars of World Series Cricket. We caught up brielfy with him during the week...

Thanks Len for your time.

When did you first take up cricket and why? I was very young on the family farm in Bridgtown WA and played my first competition at 11yrs. I just liked playing the game, it was fun.

What are your memories of your test debut? Opening the bowling with my good mate Thomo (Jeff Thompson), meeting the Queen and Mick Jagger.

You played 14 tests and 29 ODI's...what was the most memorable moment of your international career? Centenary Test 1980 at Lords.

During the early 80's when you were playing, 200 was a good score in a 50 over ODI...Virender Sehwag just scored 219 on his own in a ODI...What are thoughts on the modern game and how its developed? Kerry Packer's World Series of Cricket still beats the modern game. Players had personality and there were great characters, they had great skill.

You had some great battles with the master blaster Vivian Richards, Who did you dislike bowling to the most? I never disliked bowling to anyone, the better they were the better i had to be.

What was your favourite ground you played at? SCG

Just before we let you go Len, do you have any advice for aspiring pace bowlers here in Croatia? Dreams do come true, your eyes and ears are your best coach.

Thanks again Len, one of cricket's true nice guys both on and off the field. We hope to see him one day here in Croatia, passing on his advice which made him such a destroyer with the ball. Here are some highlights of the great man in action...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnqY4Ui92nc