Hubbry Logo
John EmbureyJohn EmbureyMain
Open search
John Emburey
Community hub
John Emburey
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
John Emburey
John Emburey
John Emburey
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

John Ernest Emburey (born 20 August 1952)[1] is a former English first-class cricketer who played for Middlesex, Northamptonshire, Western Province, Berkshire and England. He was a part of the English squad which finished as runners-up at the 1987 Cricket World Cup.

Key Information

According to cricket writer Colin Bateman, Emburey's participation in two South African rebel tours "cost him six lost years as far as Test cricket was concerned ... and, more significantly, probably an extended run as England captain, a job for which he was better suited than some who held the position post-Mike Brearley".[1]

Playing career

[edit]

Emburey was a right arm spin bowler and a slightly eccentric but useful lower-order batsman with the style of a grafter. He was more notable as an economical performer than a "demon" spin bowler, but on his day could leave the best batsmen groping outside off-stump. One of his dangerous balls was his arm ball outswinger. Emburey was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1984.

Emburey played an understated but significant role in England's storied victory in the Ashes in 1981, notably in the important fourth Test at Edgbaston, where he contributed runs and wickets as England took the lead in the series for the first time. According to the Wisden report on the match, while Ian Botham "was again named Man of the Match ... Emburey would have been the choice of many".[2] In all Emburey featured in four Ashes series won by England, in 1978–9, 1981, 1985, and 1986-7 (as well as in two defeats in 1989 and 1993). He also played for England (on the losing side) in the 1987 Cricket World Cup final.

Emburey was briefly made England Test captain in 1988, the notorious "Summer of four captains".[3] Mike Gatting was sacked after the first Test match against the West Indies and Emburey was appointed for two matches, both of which were lost. Emburey too was fired and was replaced by Chris Cowdrey for the fourth Test. Cowdrey lasted just one match, replaced in turn by Graham Gooch. While not a successful Test captain, Emburey had some successes captaining England in one-day international cricket, leading them to victory (in the absence of Gatting and Botham) in the Sharjah Cup in 1986–7.[4]

Emburey was the only cricketer to go on both the England rebel tours to South Africa in 1981/2 and 1989/90; the rebels were banned from Test matches because of the apartheid régime, although it both cases Emburey was eventually restored to the England test team (respectively in 1985 and 1993). Emburey said of his decision to join the second rebel tour: "In hindsight it was a mistake. But at the time my decision was purely monetary. I'd lost my benefit money in a building society in Australia."[5] According to Graham Gooch's published tour diary, Emburey had dressed up as a member of the Ku Klux Klan at a fancy dress party on tour just before the news of the first rebel tour broke.[6]

Later in his Test career, Emburey tended to be picked for single Tests in England, as happened in 1993 against Australia, when statistically, he was the leading all rounder in the country, and 1995 against the West Indies. Broadly from 1987 his bowling was less effective in test cricket, although his batting became more successful; from February 1987 his Test wickets averaged almost twice as much as they had before.

At county level, Emburey's Middlesex career coincided with that of Phil Edmonds. The right and left arm spin combination was a powerful contribution towards Middlesex's successes in the 1980s. They also combined at England level, although the pair also sometimes competed for the same place in the Test team. A highlight of Emburey's Middlesex career was taking 12 wickets in a single day in a championship match at Lord's in 1980. He scored the winning runs from the last ball as Middlesex won the final of the NatWest Bank Trophy in 1984, and was man of the match when Middlesex won the Benson & Hedges Cup final in 1986 (in both cases defeating Kent).[7] Between 1977 and 1993, the County won the County Championship outright five times, with one shared title in 1977.

Emburey holds the dubious distinction of being the highest England Test run-scorer never to have made a Test century. Emburey held the batting record for the highest innings made entirely from boundaries. Despite his chronic lack of footwork, he scored 46 for the England XI against Tasmania at Hobart in 1986–87, with ten fours and a six.

Whilst not the most agile in the field, he seldom dropped anything, pulling off many a stunning catch, often at gully, and had an excellent arm in the deep.

Coaching and other activities

[edit]

Emburey coached the England A cricket team to a 3–0 win in India in 1995, and was considered for the position of manager for the senior side, but lost out to David Lloyd (whom he assisted for two test series in the West Indies and Zimbabwe).[8][9] He subsequently coached Northamptonshire County Cricket Club from 1996 but was sacked in 1998 after a string of poor results.[10][11] In 2001, he became coach for Middlesex County Cricket Club, but was sacked in 2008.[11] In 2007, after Greg Chappell left his position as India head coach, Emburey was shortlisted for the job, but declined it.[12][13][8] In February 2008, he signed on as the coach of the Ahmedabad Rockets, one of the expansion teams in the second season of the Indian Cricket League. As of May 2018, he works as a scout for the England and Wales Cricket Board.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

Politically, Emburey is a Conservative, and once appeared on stage at a Conservative Party conference in the 1980s alongside England teammate Bill Athey.[15]

In May 2014, he stated that he had skin cancer, attributing it to playing cricket without sunscreen or a hat.[8]

He is married, with a wife and has two daughters.[16]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

John Emburey

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
John Ernest Emburey (born 20 August 1952) is a former English cricketer who represented England in 64 Test matches as a right-arm off-spin bowler from 1978 to 1995, capturing 147 wickets with a best of 7 for 78 against Australia at Sydney in 1986–87. He also featured in 61 One Day Internationals and captained England twice against the West Indies in 1988, while leading Middlesex in first-class cricket. Emburey's career highlights include being named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1984 for his contributions, particularly during periods when England's spin bowling options were limited. Primarily associated with , where he debuted in 1973 and played 345 first-class matches, Emburey later appeared for , , and Western Province, amassing over 700 first-class wickets through a high-looping action suited to turning pitches. His international tenure was marked by resilience, as he remained 's primary off-spinner despite competition and interruptions, including two bans for participating in unofficial "rebel" tours to in 1981–82 and 1989–90 amid the apartheid-era sporting isolation, after which he was reinstated both times. Post-retirement, Emburey coached A to a 3–0 series win in in 1995 and served as from 2001.

Early Life

Childhood and Entry into Professional Cricket

John Ernest Emburey was born on 20 August 1952 in , , where he spent his early years. Growing up in an urban environment with minimal traffic, he developed his initial interest in through informal street games, using walls or crates as improvised wickets and practicing as a medium-pace bowler by targeting curbs to refine his length control. At age nine, Emburey advanced to organized youth , earning selection for the Schools under-11 team, where he excelled with 18 wickets for 30 runs in a single season at an average of 1.88. While at Manor School, a teacher identified his potential for during play on a damp pitch, prompting him to transition from medium pace to off-spin under the guidance of coach Mike Gunton; this shift marked the beginning of his specialization in the craft that defined his career. Emburey's talent progressed through representative levels, including matches for London Schools and South of England Schools alongside future international , as well as a 1969 tour to with London Schools that fostered an early friendship with . After spending three years in Surrey's youth system, including Young Amateurs and Young Cricketers with a tour to , he trialed successfully and joined in 1970, benefiting from mentorship under veteran off-spinner . He made his first-class debut for in 1973 against , bowling 29 overs for 59 runs without taking a in the first , and gradually established himself as a regular following Titmus's retirement in 1976.

Domestic Career

Time at Middlesex

John Emburey made his first-class debut for Middlesex against in 1973, marking the start of a 23-year association with the county that lasted until his retirement from in 1995. Over this period, he appeared in 345 matches for the club, capturing 1,117 wickets at an average below 27, with his career-best figures of 8 for 40 achieved against at in 1993. As a lower-order right-handed batsman, he contributed 8,469 runs, including a highest score of 133 against at in 1983, and took 338 catches. Emburey's off-spin bowling proved instrumental in Middlesex's domestic successes, including their victories in 1976, 1977 (shared with ), 1980, 1985, 1988, 1990, and 1993, making him one of only a handful of players involved in all seven titles during that era. His most prolific season came in 1983, when he claimed 103 wickets, showcasing his control and variations on varied pitches. Middlesex awarded him his county cap in 1977, and he received a benefit in 1986 followed by a in 1995. During his three-year suspension from England duties (1989–1991) due to participation in rebel tours to , Emburey became a mainstay for , playing all fixtures as one of four ever-presents in the side. Acting as in the absence of , he took 96 wickets that year while scoring 772 runs, helping to sustain the team's competitiveness amid the international ban.

Stints with Northamptonshire and Other Teams

After concluding his long association with Middlesex in 1995, Emburey joined as ahead of the 1996 season. In 1996 and 1997, he appeared in first-class and List A matches for the county, contributing with his off-spin bowling and lower-order batting in a diminished playing capacity reflective of his career stage. His tenure marked a shift toward mentoring younger players while still offering tactical expertise drawn from over two decades of county and international experience; however, 's results remained modest, finishing mid-table in the during those years. By 1998, Emburey had transitioned to a full-time coaching role, but he was sacked with a year remaining on his contract amid the club's struggles. Beyond Northamptonshire, Emburey represented Western Province in South African , with appearances tied to the unofficial England rebel tours of 1981–82 and 1989–90, during which touring players competed in domestic fixtures. These stints provided limited but notable outings in provincial competition, leveraging his in conditions favoring seam and bounce. Later, in 2000, following a period in media work, Emburey served as for in minor counties cricket, participating in nine Minor Counties Championship matches where he took 36 wickets at an average of 21.08, including economical spells that underscored his enduring control. Berkshire's campaign that year yielded mixed results, but Emburey's involvement highlighted his post-Test utility in developmental setups.

International Career

Test Cricket Achievements and Statistics

Emburey represented England in 64 Test matches from his debut on 24–28 August 1978 against at to his final appearance on 6–10 July 1995 against at . As a right-arm off-break bowler, he claimed 147 s at an average of 38.41 runs per , with his career-best figures of 7/78 achieved against at in January 1987 during series. He took five s in an innings on six occasions and ten s in a match once, demonstrating his utility in wearing down batting line-ups on helpful pitches. In batting, Emburey aggregated 1,713 runs across 96 at an average of 22.54, including ten half-centuries but no centuries; his highest score was 75. He also effected 30 catches, often contributing as a lower-order capable of stabilizing or accelerating scoring.
CategoryMatchesRunsHigh ScoreCenturies/FiftiesWicketsBest Best 5WI/10WM
Batting64961,71322.54750/10-----
Bowling64-----14738.417/7811/1416/1
Emburey's standout performances included a match haul of 11/141 in the 1986–87 at , where his 7/78 in the first innings helped secure a draw despite Australia's strong position. He reached the milestone of 100 wickets during 's 1985 victory, underscoring his role in reclaiming the with consistent spin support on varied surfaces. In 1984, his prolific season earned him selection as one of the , recognizing his 23 wickets across home series against and at an average below 30. Emburey also holds the record for most runs scored without reaching a century, reflecting his gritty, supportive batting rather than flamboyant strokeplay.

One-Day International Performances

John Emburey represented in 61 One-Day Internationals from 1980 to 1993, establishing himself as a reliable off-spin bowler in the limited-overs format. His bowling yielded 76 s across 3,425 deliveries, conceding 2,346 runs at an of 30.87 and an rate of 4.11, with a of 45.07 balls per wicket. He achieved career-best figures of 4 for 37 on two occasions and recorded 39 maidens, demonstrating control in containing opposition scoring during an era when spin was less dominant in ODIs. Batting lower in the order, Emburey contributed 501 runs in 45 innings at an average of 14.31, with a of 75.45; his highest score was 34, including 32 fours and six sixes, though he registered three ducks. He effected 19 catches, adding value in the field. Emburey's ODI role emphasized accuracy over variation, often restricting runs in the middle overs, as evidenced by performances like 4 for 39 against in the first ODI of the 1987–88 series at on March 9, 1988. Emburey captained England in four ODIs, securing two victories and two defeats, typically in transitional periods of the team's leadership. Notable under his command included matches in the 1987–88 Benson & Hedges World Series against Australia and New Zealand, where his tactical decisions leveraged his spin bowling experience, though results were mixed amid challenging tours. In World Cup play, he claimed six wickets at an average of 49.17, with best figures of 2 for 26, underscoring his utility in major tournaments like the 1983 and 1987 editions.
CategoryStatistics
Matches61
Batting Innings45 (10 not outs)
Runs Scored501 (HS: 34)
14.31
75.45
Wickets76
30.87
Economy Rate4.11
Best Bowling4/37
Catches19

Controversies

Involvement in South African Rebel Tours

John Emburey took part in the inaugural English rebel tour to during the 1981–82 season, a privately organized series of 13 matches against provincial and invitational teams that defied the international imposed on the apartheid government. The , involving 14 English players including and , commenced in late 1981 and extended into early 1982, with Emburey contributing as an off-spinner in several fixtures amid heightened security due to protests. Participants received substantial financial incentives, reportedly equivalent to several years' county salaries, channeled through South African entities. Following the tour's conclusion, Emburey and his teammates faced a three-year ban from imposed by the International Cricket Conference (ICC) and the (ECB), effectively sidelining him from and ODI selection until 1985. During this period, he continued playing domestic cricket for and spent off-seasons with South African provincial sides such as Transvaal, maintaining his form despite the sanctions. Emburey later reflected that the ban cost him prime international opportunities, estimating he might have reached 100 caps without the interruption. In October 1989, amid ongoing disarray in English including changes in national team leadership, Emburey joined a second rebel tour to for the 1989–90 season, led by and comprising 16 players in a 14-match itinerary against similar opposition. As the only Englishman to participate in both tours, he again played key roles, but the venture drew sharper international condemnation given the persistence of apartheid policies. This decision incurred another three-year international ban, enforced from 1990, though Emburey was reinstated post-suspension without formal apology requirements from authorities. Emburey has expressed regret over the second tour, citing awareness of the repercussions and a phone call invitation as pivotal factors, while defending the first as a youthful error in judgment amid financial temptations. The tours, while enriching participants financially—Emburey reportedly earned around £100,000 across both—undermined the global anti-apartheid sporting isolation, prompting debates on their role in hastening or hindering political change in . Despite the bans totaling six years of international exile, Emburey's resilience allowed a return to colors, amassing 64 Tests overall.

Career Bans and Their Consequences

Emburey faced two separate bans from imposed by the Test and County Cricket Board (TCCB) following his participation in unauthorized rebel tours to apartheid-era , first in 1981–82 and again in 1989–90. The initial three-year ban, enacted after the 1981–82 tour alongside players like and , barred him from Test and first-class representative matches from 1982 to 1985, though he continued playing for Middlesex during this period. The second ban, triggered by his role in Mike Gatting's 1989–90 rebel squad—the only player to tour South Africa twice—lasted another three years, from 1990 to 1993, again excluding him from England selection while permitting domestic appearances. This cumulative six-year exclusion from international duty limited Emburey's career to 64 matches, far short of a potential century he later attributed to the penalties. Upon completion of the second ban, Emburey swiftly returned to the England side, featuring in the 1993 series and securing four additional Test caps through 1995, demonstrating resilience in his off-spin bowling despite the interruptions. The bans, while enforcing the TCCB's stance against undermining the international of , did not derail his overall professional trajectory, as he sustained a 24-year domestic career spanning and , amassing over 2,000 first-class wickets.

Post-Playing Career

Coaching Positions

After retiring from playing, Emburey served as player-coach for from 1996 to 1998, a role he assumed after leaving , but he was dismissed with a year remaining on his contract amid the team's struggles. In 2000, he took on a player-coach position with in the Minor Counties Championship. Emburey returned to Middlesex in 2001 as head coach, later expanding his responsibilities to director of cricket, a position he held until resigning in February 2008 following four decades associated with the club in various capacities. During his tenure, Middlesex experienced mixed results, including promotion challenges and internal restructuring, though specific performance metrics like win rates were not markedly improved over prior years. In March 2008, shortly after leaving , Emburey was appointed coach of the Rockets in the (ICL), a unauthorized Twenty20 competition that operated outside the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) framework and featured international players. The ICL's rebel status led to bans for participants from official , though Emburey's involvement was limited to this short-lived venture before the league folded in 2009 amid legal and financial disputes. Emburey was interviewed for the India national team coaching role in 2007 by the BCCI but withdrew his candidacy, citing disinterest despite initial consideration as a candidate. He was also speculated for the England head coach position in 1996 but was not selected, with David Lloyd ultimately appointed. No further major coaching roles are documented after the ICL stint.

Media and Exhibition Involvement

Emburey has pursued media roles following his playing retirement, including cricket commentary. In 1999, he joined Geoffrey Boycott and Phil Tufnell as a commentator for Talk Radio's coverage of England's five Test matches and one-day internationals against Australia and New Zealand. After emigrating to Australia around 2000, he worked as a commentator for Fairfax radio, focusing on domestic and international cricket broadcasts. He continued in this capacity with Macquarie Media, featuring in their expanded commentary team for the 2015/16 Australian summer season alongside figures such as Tim Lane and Darren Berry. Earlier, Emburey contributed to Sky Sports in the UK during a transitional period after leaving Northamptonshire in 1998. Beyond broadcasting, Emburey has engaged in and corporate entertainment, leveraging his experiences from 64 Test matches and two captaincies for . Agencies promote him for after-dinner speeches recounting career highlights, including his off-spin bowling achievements and involvement in controversial rebel tours, emphasizing his resilience and tactical insights. Emburey's exhibition involvement centers on guest appearances at cricket clubs and events, where he participates in promotional or nostalgic activities. In July 2025, he appeared at Cricket Club for a player reveal event, sharing anecdotes from over 120 international appearances and engaging with local enthusiasts. Such engagements highlight his enduring status in the sport without formal competitive play.

Personal Life

Family Background and Residences

John Emburey was born on 20 August 1952 in , , where he grew up playing street as a child, a common activity in urban areas of the era. His early interest in the sport was influenced by family connections, as he learned that his maternal uncle had trialed for , prompting him to pursue seriously. Emburey is married to Emburey, whose family roots trace to , , fostering a personal connection to the country for the couple. They have two daughters, Clare and ; as of late 1995, Clare was aged 12 and Chloe 10, with the younger daughter later residing in . Throughout his career with , Emburey resided primarily in the London area, consistent with the club's location and his origins in . Specific post-retirement residences remain private, though family ties suggest occasional stays or visits to .

References

  1. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/john-emburey-12514
  2. https://www.middlesexccc.com/squads/hall-of-fame/john-emburey
  3. https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1/1567/1567.html
  4. https://www.wisden.com/players/john-emburey-1058
  5. https://addisarmycricket.co.uk/john-emburey-former-england-middlesex-spinner/
  6. https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/john-emburey-one-of-the-best-off-spinners-produced-by-england-30112/
  7. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/john-emburey-154464
  8. https://www.wisden.com/wisden-cricketers-almanack/how-john-emburey-excelled-for-middlesex-during-his-england-suspension-almanack
  9. https://www.middlesexccc.com/news/2025/06/gatting-emburey-bryant-named-as-honorary-life-presidents
  10. https://www.howstat.com/cricket/statistics/Players/PlayerOverview.asp?PlayerID=0509
  11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPAO4ibxbi8
  12. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/john-emburey-12514/bowling-batting-stats
  13. https://www.wisden.com/players/john-ernest-emburey-1058
  14. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/cricket/england/john-emburey-2108/test-record-v-india_a01232/
  15. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/john-emburey-12514/tests-odi-t20-records
  16. https://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerOverview_ODI.asp?PlayerId=0509
  17. http://www.cricketweb.net/statsspider/player/556726-odibowlinganalysis.php
  18. https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/106253/nathan-lyon-edges-r-ashwin-in-adaptability-reckons-john-emburey-interview-cricbuzzcom
  19. https://www.howstat.com/cricket/statistics/WorldCup/PlayerOverview.asp?PlayerID=0509
  20. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/jan/13/rob-bagchi-rebel-cricket-tours
  21. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rebel-without-a-pause-611507
  22. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/mar/09/cricket.news
  23. https://www.wisden.com/cricket-features/john-emburey-i-would-probably-have-played-100-tests-if-not-for-the-bans
  24. https://www.wisden.com/wisden-cricketers-almanack/englands-rebel-tours-without-a-cause
  25. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rewind-the-1990-england-rebel-tour-of-south-africa-448028
  26. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rewind-to-1982-when-geoffrey-boycott-left-an-india-tour-early-and-headed-to-south-africa-718981
  27. https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/where-now-england-rebels-sacrificed-102315058.html
  28. https://www.thetimes.com/article/john-emburey-ends-four-decades-with-middlesex-32f3srrqp3w
  29. https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/australasia-travel/australia/john-emburey-coaches-new-rebel-icl-team-87pxpqtcfwv
  30. https://www.reuters.com/article/sports/emburey-rules-himself-out-of-india-coaching-job-idUSL12351406/
  31. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/tccb-emburey-eng-coach-26mar1996-72554
  32. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/1999/apr/20/cricket4
  33. https://www.outinperth.com/cricket-commentator-john-emburey-keeps-back-wall/
  34. https://www.mediaweek.com.au/macquarie-announce-201516-cricket-commentary-team/
  35. https://www.riversideentertainments.co.uk/acts/john-emburey/
  36. https://internationalspeakers.com.au/speaker/john-emburey/
  37. https://www.wokingham.cc/news/player-reveal-10--john-emburey-2924853.html
  38. https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/virat-faf-stand-out-as-test-captains-says-john-emburey/cid/1682272
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.