Death of Robin Jackman

Excluding the people of both England and South Africa, when the name "Robin Jackman" is pronounced, other country person would wonder who is he ? Close followers of cricket, might have some knowledge of him. For those, who didn't know who is Robin Jackman and what has he achieved in his career, this blog is a refreshing tribute to this great person. Hardwork never fails is the main moto of this person.

I myself should have named this post's title as India, Britain, Guyana and South Africa, as this man has connections with these four countries in different ways. Robin Jackman was born on 13th August, 1945 at Shimla, India to a British family. At 1946 his family moved to England. Initially, he wanted to become an actor. But, after his uncle said that this field doesn't have much scope, he chose to focus on cricket. At the age of 19, he joined Surrey County Cricket Club, and from there for a period of 10 years, he wasn't included in the England's national team, and for 16 years, he didn't find a place in England's test team. 

Initially, he started as a batting all rounder, who could bowl off spin. But, after joining the club, he transformed himself into a seam bowler. Being 5 foot 9 inches, it was expected that he can't bowl well as a seamer. But, he worked hard, harder and hardest of all. He didn't sacrifice even a single winter and during 1974, he got his maiden international call up for One Day Games. But, the domination of Bob Willis and co pacers, prevented him to get a call. 

He has played county cricket for more number of teams. Starting with Surrey, he also played at Western Province and Rhodesia ( South Africa's County Teams ), Marylebone Cricket Club ( MCC ), and also featured in Zimbabwe - Rhodesia team. Playing 399 First Class Matches, he has picked up 1402 wickets with a best of 8/40. In List A games, he picked up 439 wickets in 288 games. 

During 1980, aged 35, he got his maiden call up in Test Cricket against West Indies in the Caribbean nations. At this series, his visa was revoked as he had links with apartheid South Africa.

Apartheid South Africa means the institutionalisation of racial segregation of South African country men. The only link, this man had was that he married a South African Women and played several winters for Western Province and Rhodesia. Guyanese government asked him to withdraw from the tour, and English cricket team said that, either we play as a whole or no single man would play. As a result, this Test match was banned. But, other island governments of Caribbean agreed on his playing. As such, he made his test debut, where he dismissed the likes of Clive Lloyd, Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes. 

At the age of 38, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. After his retirement, he was offered to do the coaching role for South African Cricket team. He and his whole family moved to South Africa, where he impressed everyone with his coaching, and along with this role, he had involved himself in the field of media.

He had been believed to be voice of cricket by the citizens of South Africa. He worked as a commentator and sports broadcaster for Supersport Television Channel. Along with that, he has been a phenomenal cricket analyst. Interestingly, he worked as a commentator in 2008 Indian Premier League.

During 2012, he found out that, he has cancer in his vocal chords. In spite of this issue, he continued his commentary work for few matches. The tumors in his vocal chords has been removed twice, but still during Christmas of 2020, he died. Yes, he died two days after the death of his Surrey team mate, John Edrich.

He has been a dream bowler for each captain, which was exactly mentioned by the Former English Captain, Iam Botham.   Born at India, raised at England, got problems from Guyana, lived his rest for South Africa, this life has been truly an inspirational. 

REST IN PEACE - Robin Jackman Sir !