Duncan Spencer is not a well known name to most cricket fans. His incredible journey is one filled with resilience, talent and a little fortunate timing. Born in England in Lancashire, and brought up in Perth in Western Australia, Spencer’s early life was full of football and underage cricket. His approach to the cut-throat world of Australian fast bowling is a tale of triumph over tragedy.
Like most boys in the north of England, Spencer grew up dribbling a football and practicing headers outdoors, in school, everywhere. His early interest in sports leaned heavily toward the batting side of junior cricket. After going through some personal struggles during his teenage years, he picked up bowling—a choice that would ultimately change the course of his life. At 34 years of age, he made his return to county cricket. That summer in 2006, he proved doubt wrong at a trial at Sussex.
Due mainly to a series of injuries, Spencer’s path to becoming a long-term fast bowler was not smooth. He took the challenges of life in stride. To manage, he stopped playing and started taking prescription steroids, using them for six months before he attempted bowling again. His unusual beginning here, however, doubly stoked his resolve. That day also began an incredible new phase of his cricketing career.
Five years later, he faced young Ravi Bopara in the nets at Rockingham-Mandurah Cricket Club, demonstrating his growth and skill. He was flying. Remarkably, Spencer played two first-class matches for Sussex against Warwickshire and the touring Sri Lanka team, where he mainly bowled two lengths: very full and very short.
Spencer’s speed on the pitch drew comparisons with some of the game’s greatest players. Even cricketing royalty like Viv Richards had to admit that Spencer was “up there with the quickest” he’d ever encountered. The surprise award came at the tail end of a phenomenal run in the early 1990s. Fast bowling was absolutely thriving—some might argue it was a golden age for the sport. Without his physical disabilities, Spencer would have worn the uniform of England or Australia.
After his time with Sussex, Spencer moved back to New Zealand, signing a two-year contract at Canterbury under coach Daryl Foster. His cricketing story like so many others was only just beginning, finally debuting for Western Australia in 2001. Despite his success during these formative experiences, Spencer never lost the underdog mentality.
“When I didn’t have rhythm, I was as bad as anyone,” Spencer reflected on his bowling technique.
Spencer’s desire and fighting spirit show in his all-around game as well as his on-field exchanges with opponents. He recalled a moment when tensions flared during practice:
“When you get the rhythm it feels like it’s coming out medium pace,” he explained.
As with any exploration, his journeys were not without moments of physical discomfort. He mentioned a particular instance where another player appeared to be hurt:
“He turned around and said ‘you do that again I’ll wrap this bat around your neck’,” he recounted about an exchange that showcased the intensity of competition.
In a sport where the macho mystique can get out of hand, Spencer’s face-to-face meetings quickly escalated into prickly confrontations.
“He didn’t show any pain but was clearly hurt after the one in the ribs.”
Even though he faced these obstacles, Spencer’s story highlights resilience and love of the game through and through. His inspiration to change from a junior batter to an aspiring fast bowler was born out of a desire to fit in with his peers.
“I just went ‘smack’, leave me alone,” he said about a confrontation that highlighted the pressure athletes face.
Despite these challenges, Spencer’s story underscores resilience and passion for cricket. His journey from being a junior batter to an aspiring fast bowler is one of transformation and commitment.
Leave a Reply