Born on June 12th, 1956 in Perth, Alderman was known for his impeccable off-cutters and away swingers that were bowled at an impressive pace hurrying the batsmen into their doom. He rose in prominence during the 1981 Ashes tour of England taking a rich haul of 42 wickets. This was the biggest wicket haul in a single series ever since Jim Laker took 46 wickets in 1956. It was also the fourth biggest haul of all time in a series.

Alderman proved that the 1981 success was no flash in the pan as he repeated the feat in the 1989 series after missing out on the 1985 series for being a part of a rebel tour to South Africa. Alderman served his 3 year suspension period before making a triumphant return to the Australian set-up. England continued to be his favourite opposition as he tore them apart yet again in the 1989 series with 41 scalps. He harassed Graham Gooch to such an extent that Gooch decided to take a break after four Tests.

Alderman had his share of injuries which hampered his career. He was injured when he rashly tackled an English supporter who had entered the ground. This injury kept him out of the game for a period of 13 months. In a productive 41 Test career, Alderman ended with 170 wickets, 100 of which were the poor Englishmen. The included as many as 11 5-wkt hauls and a single ten wicket haul.

Alderman spent fruitful seasons in England spending time with Gloucestershire and Kent and also has been a radio commentator. Alderman's sister Denise Emerson is married to former Test umpire Ross Emerson and herself played seven Tests for the Australian women's cricket team.

By Pradeep Krishnamurthy