Sporting legends : Michael Slater - Belligerent Aussie Opening Test batter - Career HLs , video

 


Michael Slater

Introduction
Michael Jonathon Slater was born on February 21, 1970, in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia. A right-handed opening batsman, Slater was known for his aggressive and attacking style of play. His fearless approach at the top of the order made him a key player for Australia in the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in Test cricket.

His batting style was built around attacking cricket. Slater used to drive , cut , pull & flick with gay abandon . He was a free spirit as an opening batter and used to provide rapid starts to the Australia innings . Interestingly he was most successful in the Test format and had surprisingly limited success in ODI cricket for a player of his attacking ability . 

Test Career & Records
Slater played 74 Test matches for Australia between 1993 and 2001, scoring 5,312 runs at an average of 42.83. He registered 14 centuries and 21 fifties, with a highest score of 219. Though not a regular bowler, he occasionally bowled off-spin but did not claim a Test wicket. As a fielder, Slater was sharp in the slip cordon and took 63 catches.

ODIs: Played 42 matches, scoring 987 runs at an average of 24.07, including 9 fifties, with a top score of 73.

First-Class Record
In first-class cricket, Slater amassed over 14,000 runs with 37 centuries, showcasing his dominance in the longer format. He played for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield, where he played a crucial role in multiple title-winning campaigns.


Career Highlights

  • Made his Test debut in the 1993 Ashes series and scored 152 at Lord’s, announcing himself on the international stage.
  • Was a crucial part of Australia’s dominant Test side of the 1990s, providing explosive starts alongside Mark Taylor and later Matthew Hayden.
  • Played a major role in the 1999 Ashes series, finishing as one of Australia’s top scorers.
  • Notably scored 219 against Sri Lanka in Perth in 1995, his highest Test score.
  • Played in Australia's dominant era but lost form and was dropped from the Test team in 2001.

Major Batting Innings

  • 152 vs England (Lord’s, 1993) – His debut Ashes century, a memorable knock under pressure.
  • 219 vs Sri Lanka (Perth, 1995) – His highest Test score, showcasing his stroke play.
  • 123 vs England (Sydney, 1999) – A dominant innings that helped Australia secure an Ashes victory.

Legacy
Slater's impact on Australian cricket was significant, as he brought an aggressive, entertaining style to opening batting. Though his international career ended earlier than expected, he transitioned into a successful media career as a cricket commentator. His enthusiastic and insightful analysis made him a well-known voice in cricket broadcasting. Despite personal struggles later in life, Slater remains one of Australia’s most exciting Test openers, remembered for his ability to take the attack to the opposition from the very first ball.

Watch the belligerent Michael Slater vs a top quality Pakistan bowling attack at Gabba in 1999 during his breathtaking 169.

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