Bruce Reid’s playing career can be summed up in only two words “If Only.” A left-arm fast bowler, who could gain bounce and swing on a consistent basis, had his career ruined by back injuries and several other injuries which plagued his body. If only Reid’s body had held up, Australia would have been a great side during their turbulent period of the mid 80’s. It is a tragic fact that Australia lost this impressive bowler at the age of 29.

Reid made his first class debut for Western Australia in 1984. With impressive performances, he made his Test debut in the series against India in 1985 and he made a steady start to his international career, picking up 11 wickets in the series. He had a better start to his ODI career during the Benson and Hedges tri-series in 1986, where he picked up 17 wickets in 12 games. In that series, Reid became the first Australian bowler to take a hat-trick in ODIs. He achieved this feat against New Zealand at the SCG.

As the years wore on, Reid became injury prone and he made sporadic appearances. However, when he featured in some Tests, he put in some memorable performances. During the 1990 Ashes series, Reid became famous for a wonderful effort with the ball during the Test at Melbourne. Reid picked up his first five wicket haul as he snapped up 6/97 and went one better in the second innings as he picked up 7/51 in the second innings, giving him match figures of 13/148 and Australia a comfortable victory. In that series, Reid finished up with 27 wickets at an average of 16.

During the 1992 series against India, Reid put in yet another fabulous performance at the MCG when he picked up 6/60 and 6/66 to give Australia victory by eight wickets. If one looks at Reid’s career, the MCG holds a special place in his heart. In four Tests, he picked up 35 wickets at an average of 13. Four of his five wicket hauls have come at this venue while both 10 wicket hauls have come here. Reid continued to be plagued by injuries and in 1992, during the West Indies series, he played just one Test and retired.

Following his retirement, Reid worked as a bowling coach to the Indian national team. He has also lent his services for Zimbabwe and Hampshire. He has also mentored Nathan Bracken. Retired at 29, a total of only 27 Tests spanning a time span of seven years, 113 wickets at an average of 24.6, these statistics sum up the turbulent times of Bruce Reid. Australia would be contemplating, if only, injuries had not plagued Reid.

FACT: Bruce Reid is the cousin of former New Zealand batsman John Reid.