Jeff Jones

Jeff Jones was a well-built, fast left-armer who would have made far more of an impact were it not for his career being prematurely ended by injury. He made his Glamorgan debut in 1960, and the first of his 15 England appearances came at Bombay in 1963-64. In 1965 he returned career-best figures of 13-9-11-8 on a damp wicket at Leicester, and that winter featured as a key member of England's Ashes side, taking his Test-best 6 for 118 at Adelaide. In the Caribbean in 1967-68 he again played a leading role, but is best remembered for grimly blocking the last over of the final Test to secure England's 1-0 series win. Rarely has so much tension accompanied an over - Jones was a genuine No. 11, and his career average of 3.97 his flattering as almost half his innings were not outs, and his highest score was 21. By this stage he was fairly well established, but a shoulder injury early in 1968 ruled him out of that summer's Ashes. Although he was expected to make a full recovery, later that year arthritis was found in his elbow joint as well as severe wearing of the bone. Jones tried to modify his action but he was not nearly as effective and serious doubts were raised over his action. He never played first-class cricket again.
Martin Williamson