Australia
Born on 16 August, 1950 at Greenacre, Sydney.
Nickname: Thommo
Right arm fast bowler – probably the fastest the world has seen
Test debut: Against Pakistan in 1972
Last Test: Against England, in England in 1985
Jeff Robert Thomson combined with Dennis Lillee in the ‘seventies to form one of the most feared fast bowling pairs of all time. On his test debut in 1972 against Pakistan at Melbourne he was erratic and wayward and impressed nobody. He then returned in 1974-75 against the English tourists and terrorised them to such an extent that they were mental wrecks by the time the tour ended. His unique sling arm action and heavily built shoulders allowed him speed and bounce off the track that was difficult to negotiate. His yorker, the ‘sandshoe crusher’ was difficult to sight.
In 51 tests, Thomson claimed 200 wickets at 28.01 apiece and best bowling figures of 6-46. In 50 one-day internationals, he claimed 55 wickets at 35.30 apiece with best bowling figures of 4-67.
Thomson coached the Queensland team after retirement. He does TV and radio commentary during one-day and Test matches.
Author of: ‘Thommo’ with David Frith
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