Playing cricket with Imran Khan, the great Pakistan all-rounder was one of the highlights of my cricket career.
Imran had been recruited by New South Wales to play Shield cricket during the 1984/85 season. He was a star, on and off the field.
He had an immediate impact on the bowlers as reverse swing was a novelty in Australia. He had them mesmerised, swinging the ball in a way they'd only ever dreamed about.
Imran’s arrival coincided with my most rewarding season and we were both fortunate to play in one of the greatest Sheffield Shield finals. NSW v Queensland.
The QLD team was led by Allan Border and included 6 other test players. Kepler Wessels, Greg Ritchie, Trevor Hohns, Carl Rackemann and Jeff Thomson. Robbie Kerr played Test cricket the following season.
The Blues had 9 Test players and a 19-year-old Steve Waugh.
Skippered by Dirk Wellham, the other 8 test players were John Dyson, Steve Smith, Greg Matthews, Imran, Steve Rixon, Murray Bennett, Bob Holland, and David Gilbert.
It was the third season where the shield final was played over 5 days.
QLD scored 374 off 170 overs. Hohns 104, Border 64, Phillips 53 and Imran took 4 wickets.
We scored 318 off 121. Steve Smith top-scored with 76 and Steve Waugh 71. Jeff Thomson and John Maguire each got 3 wickets.
Qld had a lead of 56 on the first innings.
Imran then on a flat SCG wicket took the game by the scruff of its neck. He picked up Kerr, Courtice, Phillips, Border and Maguire with remarkable figures of 5 for 34 of 19 overs. He was supported by Muz Bennett with 4 for 32 off 20 overs.
QLD out for 163 and NSW needed 219 to win the Shield.
We were 3 for 59 when I entered the fray. Soon to be 5 for 100 and Imran with 18 and Steve Waugh 21 we found ourselves 7 for 173, still 46 runs behind.
It was willing in the middle, some might say, nasty. I’d had a massive verbal altercation with Kepler Wessels. Today, the match referee would have been busy.
Muz Bennett came and went. 8 for 175.
QLD opted not to take the new ball. It was only me, Dutchy Holland and David Gilbert between then and their first shield win.
Carl Rackemann bowled frighteningly quick and Dutchy displayed incredible bravery to score 10. 9 for 209. We’d put on 34.
10 to win and it was a great relief when David Gilbert hit a straight drive for 4.
We’d won and I was thrilled to play a part in such a game with 83 not out,
After 5 days of tough cricket and the Shield trophy, it was party time and where else but Imran penthouse.