Tim Zoehrer

An efficient livewire behind the stumps, a capable late middle-order batsman, a surprisingly competent lespinner, and a perennial understudy, Tim Zoehrer first played for Western Australia in 1980-81 aged 19, but for several seasons thereafter was kept on the sidelines by WA's No. 1, Rod Marsh. He took the opportunities that came his way, scoring 104 against New South Wales in 1982-83, and when Marsh retired he was the automatic choice. He was picked for Australia's tour of New Zealand in 1986-87 and was expected to hold down the Test role for some time. But he had the misfortune of being part of a side in transition and that, allied to his sometimes explosive personality, led to his being replaced by Greg Dyer, briefly, and then Ian Healy. From then on Zoehrer's role was as Healy's understudy. He toured England in 1989 and 1993 - when he finished second to Shane Warne in the first-class bowling averages with 12 wickets at 20.83 - and made his final international appearance in a World Series match in 1993-94, a one-off after almost seven years out of the side. The impression that he was destined to spend his time in the shadows was cemented when WA imported Adam Gilchrist from New South Wales to replace him. It caused ructions in the state, where Zoehrer was a popular figure - Gilchrist was booed by the home supporters in his first few appearances - but his career was over. He subsequently published a no-holds-barred - and slightly bitter - autobiography, The Gloves Are Off.
Martin Williamson