Lancashire League: True Grit - Chris Killen interview (4 Jun 1997)

4 June 1997

True Grit: Chris Killen interview

TONY DEWHURST

AUSTRALIA will need all their legendary grit and mental toughness when they take David Lloyd's rejuvenated England at Edgbaston tomorrow. And no-one typifies that Aussie aggression better than current Great Harwood professional Chris Killen.

Chris Killen was the wild child of Australian state cricket.

He emerged from the bush as a tear-away 17-year-old and quickly earned a reputation as one of the most ruthless young speed merchants since Jeff Thomson hit the tracks.

Nicknamed Psycho, and now Killer, he was fined and suspended by more clubs than he can remember.

But the New South Wales and South Australia state player recalls his first bowl in the Sheffield Shield - with the fire and brimstone of Merv Hughes rampaging in at the other end.

"People perhaps saw me as a real nutter with nothing to lose and maybe they were right," he laughed.

"I used to play my cricket hard, maybe too hard at times, and I ended up being infamous rather than famous.

"Jeff Thomson once told me just to go out and nail the batsman. That is the way I play my cricket and the way fast bowlers should approach their trade.

"It didn't matter who the batsman was. You just wanted to see blood on the track.

"I've mellowed a lot since those days but I'll always remember one particular incident.

"It all began the night before when I had a run-in with Dean Jones in a nightclub.

"It nearly came to fisticuffs until Merv (Hughes) split us up. "The next day we were playing a one day game against them (Victoria) and, when I delivered my first bowl, I hit Jones full on the thigh pad.

"I went down to pick the ball up and he came down the wicket at me calling me all the names under the sun.

"I thought Okay, if this is the way you want to play it. A couple of balls later I had him caught behind and I gave him an almighty send-off.

"The game was live on television and I bet the lip-readers had a field day!

"When it was our turn to bat my captain, David Hookes, said: 'I think you better wear a helmet, Killer.'

"I got to the wicket and I saw Dean Jones go across to Merv. I knew what was coming.

"I just didn't get out of the way quickly enough.

"Merv had bowled me an evil bouncer. The ball whacked me on the side of the head and went for four.

"Merv was down the wicket every bowl, glowering, snorting and blowing smoke at me. It was certainly an experience I will never forget.

"I had a beer with Merv afterwards and he was fine. But Jones has never spoken to me since.

"Apparently he still remembers the incident and always asks: 'What is that ******* Killen doing these days. But I don't lose any sleep over that.

"I got on really well with most of the Aussie blokes but, at the same time, I was aggressive and certain people took that the wrong way.

"It is no difference playing in the Ribblesdale League. If you dish it out you expect to get it back.

"I had a real ding-dong with Chetan Sharma (Blackburn Northern) the other week. He called me all sorts of names.

"But it wasn't malicous or silly. We had a drink afterwards. It was just two professionals doing their job."

More.............

CHRIS Killen forecasts that Australia face a mighty battle to retain the Ashes.

The First Cornhill Insurance Test begins at Edgbaston tomorrow as England tackle the Auld Enemy in the first of six tests with restored belief.

But the Great Harwood professional, who has also played at Colne, Enfield and Barnoldswick, says England already hold an important psychological advantage after the One day Texaco Trophy whitewash.

"There is a totally different atmosphere in the England camp and I think the Aussie lads have got their backs to the wall," he said.

"When you guys last came over to Australia last time the fielding and bowling was pretty second-rate stuff.

"But I really think that you've got your act together now. I've never seen an England side field so well as they did in the Texaco.

"Everybody was really sharp and up for it. I was especially impressed with the attitude and hunger they all showed.

"England have to build on that confidence. They have given some of the young blokes a go and the selectors have got to stick with them.

"If you discard a young cricketer it can break him but England seem to be getting their selection right. "There is a nice blend of experience and youth and England appear to be gelling as a team.

"I've read stuff in Australian newspapers saying that the result is a foregone conclusion.

"That is really dangerous talk because somebody is going to end up with a lot of egg on their face."

Killen is worried that the Australians do not retain enough firepower in their front line bowling attack.

"For a start I don't think we've got the bowlers to take a barrow load of wickets in the Test match arena.

"So much responsbility is on Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath to perform. If either of those two don't fire than we could be in trouble.

"It was a major surprise to me when Paul Reiffel wasn't included in the squad. I know he had struggled a bit with injury but he should be here."

And Killen believes Derbyshire quickie Devon Malcolm could hold the key for England.

"I think Devon could do so much damage to the Australians if he really starts to fire on full throttle.

"He is in great form this season and, if he can keep his line and length on the mark, then he could help England win the Ashes.

"I remember when they picked him for the Sixth Test at the Oval in 1993 and I immediately put my money on the Poms.

"England romped home. I just hope that doesn't happen at Edgbaston.

"Whatever happens the Australians now know that they have a real game on their hands."

Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (https://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)