Mike Whitney

Mike Whitney
Personal information
Born 24 February 1959
Surry Hills, New South Wales
Batting style Right-hand bat
Bowling style Left-arm fast-medium
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
19801993 New South Wales
1981 Gloucestershire
Career statistics
Competition Tests ODIs
Matches 12 38
Runs scored 68 40
Batting average 6.18 6.66
100s/50s -/- -/-
Top score 13 9*
Balls bowled 2672 2106
Wickets 39 46
Bowling average 33.97 27.15
5 wickets in innings 2 -
10 wickets in match 1 n/a
Best bowling 7/27 4/34
Catches/stumpings 2/- 11/-
Source: Cricinfo, 12 December 2005

Michael Roy Whitney (born 24 February 1959, Surry Hills, New South Wales) is an Australian television personality and former cricketer, who played in 12 Tests and 38 ODIs from 1981 to 1993.

Fast bowler Michael Whitney was a favourite among Australian and NSW cricket fans for both his sense of humour and whole-hearted approach to the game. He made his Test debut in 1981 at Old Trafford against England, when he was called on by the Australian touring party due to injuries while playing for Gloucestershire.[1] However, he was then overlooked for six years afterwards and played almost all of his matches for Australia in the late 1980s and early '90s. He could be considered unlucky not to have played more than 12 Tests over his long career. He was Australia's most economical bowler in the 1992 World Cup and in the same season took 17 wickets in three Tests against India.[2]

Whitney became a much-celebrated number 11 batsman in the 1987 Boxing Day Test, surviving 18 deliveries and holding off Richard Hadlee to help secure a draw for Australia against New Zealand.

On 8 March 2009 Mike Whitney was inducted as a life member by the South Sydney Rabbitohs for his contribution in being a Director on the Football Club Board in the critical period during the Club’s battle for reinstatement to the competition between 1999 and 2001. He also played a decisive role in attracting fellow Life Member Kerry Stokes to the Club as a major sponsor upon its readmission to the competition in 2002, a coup that ensured the Club’s ability to make its triumphant return to the NRL competition.

Television Presenter

Since retiring from cricket, he has worked in the television media. Since 1994, Whitney has been the host of Sydney Weekender, a show that only airs in New South Wales.

Nationally, he was the host of Who Dares Wins (made in Australia, the show has been seen in America on cable's Game Show Network) from 1996 until 1998, and was also extremely popular in India on AXN network alongside Tania Zaetta. Also in 1996, he was a referee on the Australian version of TV game show Gladiators and continues to host a variety of travel programs.

He is also the director of a computer graphics company and spokesperson for the Road Transport Forum's "Today's Truckies Giving 100%" campaign.

Mike is also part of the Indian Cricket League commentary team.

Whiticisms (1995)

Whitney wrote a book of memoirs of his tales from the game days and his travels up until 1995.

Mike Whitney Band

For the last few years Whitney has been touring with his band, playing the hits from the 70's through to the 90's. The Mike Whitney Band mainly does gigs around Sydney, but also play in RSL clubs and pubs throughout Australia.

The band also does charity work, playing music to raise money for the people of Australia who are in need.

Mike Whitney plays the tambourine and does lead vocals for the band.

References

  1. Cricinfo - Eleven quirky debuts
  2. Cricinfo - Beware the unknown

External links