Bracken Bounces Back To Be Mane Man
The Sunday Age
Sunday January 28, 2007
Hard work has helped the NSW quick come into his own at the international level, writes Daniel Lane.
WOULD-BE comedians at grounds all around Australia this summer have helped Nathan Bracken realise he's finally made the grade. Instead of their usual sledge, they've homed in on his mane of blond hair."When you field on the boundary, especially in a day-night game, there are always blokes in the crowd who try to be funny," Bracken said. "In previous years they've yelled that I couldn't bowl or I was hopeless. This season they've been saying I should get a haircut."On a professional level, being abused about my hair is a big step up from being branded hopeless."Bracken has more credible sources than boozed-up wise guys to realise his on-field efforts are being appreciated. Former Test batsman Mark Waugh, national coach John Buchanan and others, including Tony Greig, have openly admired his efforts against the New Zealand and England batsmen. Their recognition has justified blood and sweat.Bracken took an astonishing 7-4 against South Australia at the SCG during the 2004-05 Pura Cup season and has long enjoyed a miserly economy rate in the limited-overs arena, but the NSW left-armer has had to contend with harsh critics."Guys like Jeff Thomson and Ian Chappell used to criticise me," he said. "I'd tell myself it didn't matter, but in the back of my mind I'd think, 'It's Ian Chappell and Jeff Thomson, two all-time great players and their opinions count'. "That's why it has been great to hear them change their tune since the ICC Champions Trophy (in India last year). They've said I should be considered again for Test selection."I've had many people ask what the difference in my bowling has been. I guess it's the stuff I do behind closed doors. I do a lot of boxing and that's torture. A few months ago I also bought a spin cycle bike so I can get some serious kilometres under my belt when I'm at home."Also, my wife, Haley, has been extremely supportive. It's amazing what someone having complete faith in you can do for your confidence."The ICC ranks Bracken as the one-day game's third-best bowler, behind Shaun Pollock and Glenn McGrath, but the days of poring over data and wondering where he was ranked in Australian cricket's pecking order are long gone."A few years ago I'd agonise over whether I was the second, third or fourth bowler," he said. "But I stopped that when I realised what mattered most was how I walked away from a game."While some people have had plenty to say about me, I'm my toughest critic. If I can look in the mirror and say I've given it my best, I feel happy within myself."Buchanan said Bracken had come into his own at the right time. "Bracken's economy rates are pretty good," Buchanan said. "And it's the time of the innings he bowls. He starts the power plays and finishes at the death. He has a very good understanding of his game and generally a very good understanding of who he's about to play."He has good variety. He's left-arm, can go around the wicket or over the wicket, and he uses that very effectively."Bracken doesn't take for granted his position as Australia's opening bowler. "When I have the ball in my hand I control the destiny of the 10 blokes I'm playing alongside, so it is an enormous responsibility. If I bowl a short, wide ball that's hit to the boundary, that's my fault and no one else's. But I enjoy the responsibility, and I enjoy bowling at the death. It's what I train to do."Sometimes I'll force myself to bowl in the nets until I bowl three perfect, consecutive yorkers. Even if it takes an hour or more, I want to walk away from there knowing I can do it."
© 2007 The Sunday Age