Fleming's hat-trick on debut

Born 44 years ago today, Damien Fleming had the kind of cricketing career many players dream of; winning World Cups, castling superstars and turning himself into a media personality in the process.

Fleming’s international cricketing career couldn’t have got off to a better start, the prodigious quick snaring a hat-trick on debut against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 1994.

The right-arm swing bowler, who shares his birthday with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, went on to pick up 75 wickets in an injury-shortened 20 Test career and 134 scalps across 88 matches in the coloured clothes.

Fleming played in two World Cups and was an instrumental player in the ’99 semi final draw with South Africa that booked Australia’s place in the final; a final they would go on to win comprehensively over Pakistan.

Following retirement Fleming was appointed head coach of the Australian Cricket Academy, before his sights turned to the media where he took on the role of specialist cricket commentator for ABC Grandstand, FOX SPORTS and Channel Ten.

His unique perspective and world-class experience was also fully evident in the cricket.com.au blog series he wrote during Australia’s highly successful 2014 tour of South Africa.