15 Facts about Shaun Tait - The Wild Thing

Shaun Tait is one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game. With a Dennis Lillee like slingy action, Tait’s strong arms produced speeds in excess of 145 kmph almost regularly. However, lack of consistency and erratic line and length were his weaknesses. His career hit the roadblock after a promising start. He found the workload of international cricket too strenuous and fitness issues crippled his career badly. Later, after going into exile for a couple of years and retiring from the longest format, Tait now regularly plays T20 cricket. Here are some interesting facts about Shaun Tait.

1. Born on:

Shaun William Tait was born on February 22, 1983 in Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia.

2. First-class debut:

At the age of 19, Tait made his first-class debut for South Australia against Western Australia on 19 December 2002 at the Adelaide Oval. He only bowled in one innings on his debut, yet finished with respectable figures of 3/77 off 22.2 overs.

3. Australia Cricket Academy:

After strong debut season, Tait was rewarded with a place at the Australian Cricket Academy alongside such players like Ben Hilfenhaus and Luke Ronchi.

4. Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year:

In 2004, Tait was awarded the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year for his strong Pura Cup season where he took 30 wickets at 28.33.

5. Australian contract:

Tait was rewarded with his first Cricket Australia contract for the 2004–05 season and was included ahead of Queensland fast bowler Andy Bichel. Tait repaid the selector’s faith in him by having his best Pura Cup season as he claimed 65 first-class wickets at an average of 20.16 that season. This feat also made him surpass Clarrie Grimmett’s record for most wickets in a season for a South Australian bowler.

6. Test debut:

Tait made his Test debut in the 2005 Ashes series against England on 25 August 2005 at Trent Bridge. His maiden Test wicket was that of Marcus Trescothick.

7. ODI debut:

Tait made his One Day International debut on 2 February 2007 against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the 2006–07 Commonwealth Bank Series. Tait claimed 2/68 off 10 overs on debut and his first One Day International wicket was that of Ed Joyce.

8. Career goals achieved:

Tait has stated that his greatest goal in cricket was to play the Ashes and the World Cup. Therefore, when he was selected in Australia’s 15-man squad for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies he accomplished both of his greatest goals.

9. Stupendous performance in the 2007 World Cup:

Tait spearheaded the Australian bowling attack in the absence of the injured Brett Lee. He performed wonderfully and finished the tournament as the joint second leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets at an average of 20.30.

10. Sabbatical:

On 29 January 2008, Tait announced that he would take an indefinite break from cricket, citing being physically and emotionally exhausted. He stated, “A break from professional cricket will hopefully give me a clear mind and a chance for my body to rest and recover.” In March 2008, Tait claimed he was “feeling normal again” and was aiming for a comeback at the start of the 2008–09 season.

11. The quickest:

Tait bowled his fastest ball against England in an ODI at Lords at 161.1kph (100.1 mph) in 2010, which is equal second fastest of all-time behind Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar and fastest amongst active bowlers as of 3 January 2015.

12. Retirement:

Tait retired from ODI cricket on 28 March 2011, following Australia’s early exit from the 2011 World Cup.

13. BBL powered international comeback

Shaun Tait continued playing T20s after retirement with a fair amount of success. His speed was unaffected and he remained as of the fastest in the world. In 2016, almost after five years of international absence, Tait was recalled into the side to play against India in the home T20I series. The selectors credited his selection to his performance in the 2015 edition of BBL where he finished with 10 wickets in 8 games for Hobart Hurricanes at 24.70.

14. Personal life:

In August 2013, Shaun Tait got engaged to Indian swimsuit model and wine entrepreneur Mashoom Singha, sister of Shamita Singha who was Femina Miss Earth India 2001. On 12 June 2014, they got married in Mumbai.

15. 2007- A year of honors and award:

The year 2007 was a year to remember for Shaun Tait. He won the Lord Hampden Trophy, ICC Emerging Player of the Year and Australian Cricketers’ Association All-star Ford Ranger Cup team.