As an off-spin bowler and right-hand batsman Tim May played 24 tests (75 wickets @ 34.73) and 75 one-day internationals (39 wickets @ 45.43) wearing the baggy green cap for Australia. When representing Australia Tim May toured the United Kingdom, West Indies, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates. A highlight of his career was being a member of the victorious 1987 World Cup side.
Tim also played 142 first class games, taking 439 wickets at an average of 35.81. He is third on the all-time wicket takers for South Australia, was awarded the South Australia player of the year award three times, and in 1993 was Sheffield Shield Player of the Year.
In 1997 Tim became the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Cricketers' Association and from 2005-2013 was the Chief Executive of the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations.
In 1998 the Australian Cricketers’ Association, under May’s guidance, signed the first ever collective bargaining agreement with the Australian Cricket Board, defining the terms and conditions under which all first class cricketers participate in the game.