Why Queensland cricket great John Maclean said no to Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket

Meet the Queensland cricket great who said no to Kerry Packer’s lucrative rebel World Series Cricket circus. In 1977 John Maclean was asked to join the breakaway series but said no to a $10,000 sign on fee in the hope of winning a baggy green cap.

Former Australian Test cricketer John Maclean poses at his Newstead property. He played 108 first class games and 86 Shield mates for his beloved Queensland, taking 354 catches and 31 stumpings. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Meet the former Queensland and Australian wicket keeper who was one of the few men to say no to Kerry Packer’s lucrative rebel World Series Cricket circus.

In 1977 John Maclean was asked to join the breakaway series which had lured the best from around the world to play Super Tests involving Australia, the West Indies and a World XI.

WSC had started with the aim of turning players from amateurs to semi-professional. “I know they say no one turned them down,’’ Maclean said.

The treasured Test cap of former Queensland captain John Maclean.

“I got an offer,’’ Maclean said. “It was $10,000 for three months. It was all done verbally because it was so secretive.

“But I opted to stay to try and get a baggy green which I eventually did.’’

Maclean, who had made his debut for Queensland in 1968-69 from South Brisbane, finally fulfilled his Test cricket ambition in 1978-79 against England.

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Almost a decade earlier he had been earmarked as Brian Taber’s Test replacement when he toured New Zealand with Australia A.

But Rod Marsh emerged from Western Australia and Maclean dropped in the pecking order, spending almost a decade in his shadow before Marsh’s move to WSC opened the Test door.

Initially Steve Rixon played against India in 1977-78, but for the ‘1978-79 Ashes, Maclean got the gig.

John MacLean lands after taking a great catch at the Gabba on his Test debut.

He had great first Test on his home ground, taking five catches in an innings and scoring 33 not out and 15.

“I had a Test average of 48. Maybe I should have retired then,’’ Maclean laughed.

Australia were 2-1 down in the 1978-79 Ashes series but leading up to the fourth Test in Sydney disaster struck when wicketkeeper John Maclean was felled at training by a delivery from seamer Alan Hurst.

“The ball came straight off a good length. I had a helmet on for the first time but I did not have a visor,’’ Newstead resident Maclean recalled. “I got eight stitches and I was dosed up with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.’’

John MacLean in trouble at the SCG, on the verge of collapse.

Having waited since 1968 to play Test cricket, Maclean was not about to withdraw from the match and declared himself fit to play.

But on day one it was so hot an ABC cameraman fell from MA Noble Stand at the SCG. “I heard this thump,’’ Maclean said recalling the cameraman’s tumble. “It was 40 degrees and humid.’’

After play on the first day the suffering Englishmen had to be placed on drips to hydrate them. It was hot.

A groggy John Maclean is supported by Kim Hughes, left, as others including Graham Yallop (infront of him, back turned), come to his aid.

“After an hour into the second session my whole body seized up,’’ Maclean explained about his departure from the SCG.

“Rodney Hogg says if I was not as big and strong I might have died. Kim Hughes says it was one of the most gusty things he saw.

“I should not have played, but I didn’t realise how bad the injury was.’’

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Maclean said he had been told by Australian cricket if he played with the injury “you won’t be dropped’’. But he was dropped.

A few months later Maclean drew stumps on a career which spanned 86 Sheffield Shield matches for his state and four Test caps.

“It (baggy green) is in my cupboard at home. Max Walters (Queensland Cricket CEQ) wants to put it on display at Border Field.

“It may as well be on display where someone can see it,’’ Maclean reflected.

Queensland captain John Maclean sweeping. He hit 3888 runs at 24.45

Maclean was proud to take his place on the honour roll of Queensland gloveman who had played for Australia.

Don Tallon and Wally Grout played before him and Ray Phillips (1985 Ashes) Ian Healy, and Wade Seccombe (2004 Ashes) were after him.

Former Australian, Queensland Souths gloveman John Maclean at his Newstead property. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

“I had a lot of good forbearers in Don Tallon and Wally Grout. (Sir Donald) Bradman reckoned Tallon was the best,’’ Maclean said.

As a teenager around the Tarragindi and Ekibin Rd area, Maclean was a sporting prodigy.

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An outstanding schoolboy soccer player at Brisbane State High School, talented baseballer and league five-eight, Maclean also played one match for Souths rugby before settling on cricket.

His first A grade season was with Colts in 1961-62 before joining Souths 1963-63 where he stayed until 1979.

Queensland cricket captain John Maclean, who went to Brisbane State High School, with off-spinner Graham Whyte and prolific scorer David Ogilvie, a past student of Brisbane Grammar School.

\Maclean said Souths teammate Greg Chappell was the best batsman and nothing could beat a Jeff Thomson-Dennis Lillee new ball attack, although but he had a fondness for Peter Allen, his old school mate from Brisbane State High School.

“When he got outswingers going he was close to unplayable,’’ Maclean said.