Our April guest represents another first for the Society – an overseas test captain, Jeremy Coney. Jeremy played 52 tests and 88 ODIs for New Zealand, captaining them in 15 tests and 25 ODIs and only once losing a Test series, against Pakistan away. His career included an unexpected series win against the (then) all-conquering West Indies in 1979-80 (also their first home series win ever) and New Zealand’s first series win in this country in 1986.
That series, with a 1-0 win, was also notable for his sporting gesture to allow England a substitute wicket-keeper (Bob Taylor) after Bruce French had been felled by a bouncer from Richard Hadlee. Graham Gooch memorably described their Hadlee-led attack as “like the World XI at one end, and Ilford 2nd XI at the other”. This led to one of the Kiwi team kitting everyone out (bar Hadlee) in “Ilford 2nd XI” tee shirts, and with the series victory, they had the last laugh. One other feature of that series was the only Test century for John Bracewell, helping them to their victory at Nottingham.
As a cricketer, Jeremy Coney was a very tall, fit and enthusiastic all rounder and an astute captain. He bowled medium-pace that he now likes to downplay as being scarcely quick enough to disturb the wicket, but his batting average, a shade under 38, with a best of 174* (a painstaking 8 hour marathon to help save a Test), and his team’s results during his era all speak of an ability and determination that his modesty understates.
He is now based in this country near Oxford and is a Sky and TMS broadcaster as well as an after-dinner speaker. His punditry behind the microphone has brought an erudition and a vocabulary that is not always apparent with many cricketers who have turned to commentary. He is also a good musician, qualified teacher and has a love of theatre that has led to another career – as a part-time stage lighting director.