Jeff Thomson

Jeff Thomson was one of the fastest bowlers to have played Test cricket. With an unusual slinging action, and an aggressive approach, he was a fearsome sight to batsmen.

He debuted against Pakistan in 1972-73, but hampered by a broken bone in his foot was ineffective.

Recalled in 1974-5, and forming a partnership with Dennis Lillee, he terrorised the England tourists with consistent spells of extreme fast bowling, taking 33 wickets in the series.

His action put considerable stress on his body, particularly his right shoulder, and he was rarely fit enough to reach those peaks again. So he adapted his methods, relying less on pure pace, and more on an excellent cutter, and seam and swing. Jeff retired from playing in 1986.

Nowadays whenever Jeff comes to the UK he is always in demand on the after dinner circuit and for cricket club dinners generally.