The rise of the Burnley Express, who yesterday joined an elite list of bowlers who have taken 400 test match wickets.
Jimmy burst on to the international stage; making his test debut aged just 20, but test cricket took his toll on his body with back injuries and people questioning if he could maximise his promising potential. He had to change his action, with England coaches continuously adapting his bowling action, which seemed to unsettle Jimmy.
Jimmy was vacant from international cricket from the bit-part years of 2004-2007. His progress stalled under the tenure of Duncan Fletcher and bowling coach Troy Cooley, and it was not until the summer of 2007 under a new regime that he was truly fit for purpose again.
Jimmy was vacant from international cricket from the bit-part years of 2004-2007. His progress stalled under the tenure of Duncan Fletcher and bowling coach Troy Cooley, and it was not until the summer of 2007 under a new regime that he was truly fit for purpose again.
Fast forward a decade and a bit and Jimmy has secured his position as a legend of English – and world – cricket. He’s played a key part in three Ashes victories for his country, and was part of the side that in 2011 rose to the top of the ICC World Rankings. This is a man who has played in all formats of cricket and been successful, who is also not finished yet.
But perhaps his greatest legacy and success; is his unique reinvention of swing bowling, bowl consistent line and length deliveries and the ability to adapt to conditions and batsmen. He is a typical English bowler and when there are thick clouds he has swung the ball both ways and has been unplayable for the world’s best. With a fantastic stat of having dismissed Sachin Tendulkar more times than any other bowler in Test cricket history (9).
This is someone who has not just won the Ashes but regained it back out in Australia. A fantastic athletic fielder, stubborn batsman and someone with 400wickets who isn’t finished yet. Arguable the greatest swing bowler of his time. Jimmy will be extremely up for the Ashes series this summer where there will be a lot of pressure and responsibility for Jimmy to spearhead the attack.
But perhaps his greatest legacy and success; is his unique reinvention of swing bowling, bowl consistent line and length deliveries and the ability to adapt to conditions and batsmen. He is a typical English bowler and when there are thick clouds he has swung the ball both ways and has been unplayable for the world’s best. With a fantastic stat of having dismissed Sachin Tendulkar more times than any other bowler in Test cricket history (9).
This is someone who has not just won the Ashes but regained it back out in Australia. A fantastic athletic fielder, stubborn batsman and someone with 400wickets who isn’t finished yet. Arguable the greatest swing bowler of his time. Jimmy will be extremely up for the Ashes series this summer where there will be a lot of pressure and responsibility for Jimmy to spearhead the attack.