Robin Jackman

A combative, whole-hearted cricketer who made the most of modest gifts, Robin Jackman is probably best remembered as being at least peripherally responsible for the abandonment of a Test match. Born in India, but growing up in England, Jackman had close ties with South Africa, coaching and representing Rhodesia and Western Province over 11 English winters. When chosen to tour the West Indies in 1980-81, the Guyanese government objected to his involvement with the then apartheid South Africa, and revoked his visa. The second Test was thus cancelled, as the English management chose not to yield to political pressure.

Jackman, christened the "Shoreditch Sparrow" by Alan Gibson in The Times, had made his Test debut in the first Test of the series, picked to tour after a very fine season for Surrey, and modest success in his five one-day international appearances. He played just one more Test on that tour, and made two appearances against Pakistan at home in 1982, but failed to establish himself as a Test player. He had more success in the one-day game, playing in all 15 times for England.

A short man for a faster bowler, Jackman had a long, bustling run up, a good delivery and strong follow-through. He moved the ball both in the air and off the seam, and at county level was a most effective wicket-taker, an important part of the Surrey attack, with over 1,400 first-class wickets at 22.8 apiece. A modest bat, his first-class best was an unbeaten 92 against Kent in 1974. He debuted for Surrey in 1966, and played for them for 16 years, representing Western Province in 1971-72, and Rhodesia between 1972-73 and 1979-80. In retirement, he turned to the media in South Africa, often being heard as part of TV commentary teams.
David Liverman