Player Profile(#3)... John Davison(Canada)

Player Profile(#3)...John Davison (Canada)
Canada...They have Ice Hockey, NBA Basketball, some of the most tranquil and awe-inspiring scenery in the world, and they also have the largest coastline of any country on the planet. They are also famous for maple syrup...and John Davison!

The hard-hitting Australian-born batsman and off-spin bowler has been a core member of the Canadian National side for the best part of a decade now, and gained notoriety at the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa where he blasted the fastest World Cup century (111 off 73 balls) ever against a West Indian side, who were unwitting of him and under-estimated the powerful arsenal of cricket shots he was capable of. In the same tournament he also demolished New Zealand’s bowling attack (Jacob Oram in particular was a victim of his huge hitting) by smashing his way to the 3rd fastest 50 in World Cup history. It was also in the controversy-filled 2007 World Cup in the West Indies (*I have to note how shambolic the Final between Australia and Sri Lanka was, no doubt many people thought it was a disgrace to the game, I mean how on earth can any cricket player see a dirty-coloured white cricket ball in almost pitch black conditions?! Oh and the Bob Woolmer incident as well...*) where he sparked to life the memories of the previous World Cup when he carted the New Zealand bowling attack to all parts of the Gros Islet ground in making a blistering 52 off 31 balls.

His cricketing career seeds started to grow in the big backyard they call Australia. In his youth there he played grade cricket in Melbourne and progressed on to the Australian Cricket Academy in 1993. The following step in his career was when he started playing domestic cricket in Australia for Victoria, however he was unable to secure a regular spot in the team and when he left the side he joined South Australia in 2002-2003. It was in 1999 where the cricketing career of John Davison (also known as Davo) lifted another level when he was asked if he had the desire to be the player-coach for the Canadian national side and was soon rushed into the national side within the blink of an eye. He was a key player in their 2001 and 2005 ICC Trophy campaign when they finished 3rd in both tournaments (which were vital for the Canadians gaining entry into the 2003 and 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup).

The now experienced cricketer for Canada was appointed Captain to the side in 2004 and he really proved his class in the following year during a match against the USA in the Intercontinental Cup by taking match figures of 17 for 137, the best since the great Jim Laker in 1956. He also made a good contribution with the bat by hitting an excellent 84. It was in the season of 2004-2005 when his passion for the Canadian side was truly shown when his Last game for South Australia was played in that season and he wanted to devote his time to Canadian Cricket.

John Davison is a brilliant cricketer and when one thinks about it he is like the big salmon that Australia mistakenly let go through the gaps, imagine the status he could’ve got if he played for Australia? No doubt the Canadians are glad to have such a brilliant cricketer as him in their ranks, and maybe it’s going to be John Davison who can help Canadian Cricket’s talent to flourish and grow further, and for them to be more competitive against the heavyweights of international cricket.









Heres a video to show that on their day Canada can play some really good cricket -->


*Acknowledgements to Cricinfo.com