Ian had a cracking 11 year career as Australia’s wicket keeper. He played 119 tests and 168 One Day Internationals with the Australian Cricket team from 1988 to 1999. In the early days, Ian represented the Queensland under-11 Cricket Team and later attended a clinic conducted by the touring Queensland cricketers. The team’s wicket-keeper John MacLean gave him some specialist coaching, which gave his junior career further momentum.

1. Who inspired you the most as a young athlete?

There wasn’t really one person who inspired me. I think the notion of sport did. Striving to play like your favourites everyday was the feeling I remember whether it be football or cricket. My favourites were John MacLean, Rod Marsh and Greg Chappell in cricket. Bob Fulton and Wests in Brisbane in rugby league.

2. If you didn’t play the sport you’re famous for, what would you have done?

I think I would have dabbled in heaps of different sports but not had time to excel in any one because work wouldn’t have allowed it. Cheeky league halfback probably.

3. What was your drive to achieve and stay at the top of your sport?

It was a personal drive that kept me going. Not letting myself or team down through lack of preparation was essential. Performance is not great more often than it is great but your preparation should be flawless and exciting.

4. What would you consider your greatest sporting achievement?

My proudest sporting achievement is the 119 tests almost played non stop. To have maintained my energy, passion and enthusiasm for training, my team and performance was big.

5. What is your greatest memory from your sporting career?

Our breakthrough Ashes win for the 80’s- 1989 not having seen the Ashes in Australia for far too long. The old heads in our team were very emotional which was sensational for the young upstarts to see.

6. Who is your sports icon, past or present?

I don’t have a specific sports star as an icon - we are so blessed with global performers in nearly every sport in our little country that we can pick and choose who we love each week just about.

7. Do you think it’s important to be involved with sport from a young age?

Sport at a young age is crucial and developmentally fantastic. However the good thing is that you can make up for lost early time if you have to and catch up with your friends learning how to win, lose or just muck around.

8. What advice would you give to students trying to fit in school life with training?

Don’t overdo it. If you are struggling to fit it all in then you are overdoing parts. It must fit and be something you love fitting in otherwise you won’t continue to love it. Sacrifices should go unnoticed.

9. Are you still involved with Cricket now that you’ve hung up your gloves?

I still commentate for Channel 9, hence stay in touch with cricketers around the world. I coach wicketkeepers and coaches about my techniques and thoughts on keeping. I assist Qld cricket whenever requested.

10. What lasting piece of advice would you like to give to young Queensland athletes?

Firstly for them not to worry about too much advice from outsiders. Appropriate advisors will inspire but – “do what you do as well as you can, as often as you can”. One day you may have the necessary slice of luck that gets you to the top. If not you should still have had a lot of enjoyment with great friends and rivals. Always love MAROON.!!!!

Check back next month when we have Vickie Wilson, former Australian Netball Captain, as our Legend on the Sofa!