Jeff was known as an easy-going uncomplicated big occasion cricketer whose immense physical strength enabled him to bowl faster than any contemporary Australian. “Thommo”, was one of the fastest bowlers ever to play Test cricket and was the opening partner of fellow fast bowler Dennis Lillee. Their combination was one of the most fearsome in Test cricket history.
- Status: Pending1973Test Debut: Australia v Pakistan at Melbourne.
- Status: Pending1980Last Test: England v Australia at Birmingham.
- Status: Pending1975ODI Debut: Australia v England at Melbourne.
- Status: Pending1985Last ODI: England v Australia at Lords.
Beginnings
Jeff was born and educated in the District, residing in Greenacre. While attending Punchbowl High School he won a CHS Sporting Blue for Cricket. He would debut for the Bankstown Club in A W Green Shield side in 1965-66 and blasted out 17 batsmen at 10.53.
Jeff enjoyed a rapid rise in the 197273 season, when he made his first-class debut for New South Wales (NSW), then his Test debut after five first-class games.
Achievements
Jeff was picked for the First Test against England in Brisbane in 1974-75. The result was remarkable, for in the first five Tests of that series he and Lillee bowled at a ferocious pace forming one of the greatest opening attacks Australian Cricket has produced.
Post Representation
Jeff continues to tour the country as a Celebrity Guest Speaker, helping to raise funds to assist junior cricketers.