Sporting legends: John Snow: England's Fiery Fast Bowler , Career HLs & video

 

John Augustine Snow, born on October 13, 1941, in Peopleton, Worcestershire, England, was one of England’s most fearsome fast bowlers during the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his aggressive and combative style of play, Snow was a key figure in several of England’s cricketing triumphs, particularly against Australia. His ability to generate pace and bounce on any surface made him one of the most feared bowlers of his era.

Style of Play

John Snow was a right-arm fast bowler who played with an aggressive and intimidating style. His bowling was characterized by:

Pace and Bounce: Snow had the ability to generate significant bounce off a length, which made him particularly dangerous on pitches with some life.

Accuracy: Despite his aggressive style, Snow maintained a high level of accuracy, especially when targeting the batsman’s body or bowling in hostile conditions.

Aggression: Snow was known for his fiery temperament, and he often bowled short-pitched deliveries to unsettle batsmen, especially in Test matches against Australia.

Variation: While primarily a fast bowler, Snow had a good command of variations, including seam and swing, making him more versatile.

Test Record

John Snow played 49 Test matches for England from 1965 to 1976, during which he took:

202 wickets at an impressive bowling average of 26.66.

He had 8 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket match haul.

His best bowling figures in a Test innings were 7/40.

Snow's bowling was particularly effective in Ashes series against Australia, where he was England’s leading fast bowler for much of the 1970s.

ODI Record

Snow’s opportunities in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) were limited, as the format was still in its infancy during his career. He played in just 9 ODIs for England, taking 13 wickets at an average of 32.07. His ODI career did not have the same impact as his Test career, but his pace and accuracy were still an asset in the limited matches he played.

First-Class Career

John Snow had a distinguished first-class cricket career playing for Sussex and England. Over his long first-class career, he played:

357 first-class matches, taking an astonishing 1,172 wickets at an average of 24.11.

He recorded 83 five-wicket hauls and 7 ten-wicket match hauls in first-class cricket, underlining his dominance in the longer format.

Career Highlights in Detail

1. Ashes Hero (1970-71 Ashes Series):

Snow’s most memorable contribution came during England’s victorious 1970-71 Ashes series in Australia. He was the standout performer, taking 31 wickets in the series at an average of 22.83, helping England regain the Ashes. His fiery pace and aggression, particularly in the Fourth Test at Sydney, where he took 7/40, were key to England’s success.

2. Feared Bowler Against Australia:

Throughout his career, Snow was known for his success against Australia. He was often England’s go-to bowler in Ashes encounters, making life difficult for Australian batsmen with his pace and hostility. His battles with Australian batsmen like Ian Chappell became part of cricketing folklore.

3. 1970 Rest of the World Series:

After South Africa was banned from international cricket, a series between England and the Rest of the World XI was arranged in 1970. Snow was exceptional during this unofficial series, taking 16 wickets in five matches. Though not considered official Test matches, this series showcased Snow’s class against some of the best players in the world.

4. Controversy and Aggression:

Snow’s aggressive nature occasionally got him into trouble. During the 1970-71 Ashes, he was involved in a controversial incident where he bowled a bouncer that hit Australian batsman Terry Jenner on the head. This led to on-field confrontations, and Snow was even jostled by the crowd. Despite this, his competitiveness was often praised as a sign of his fierce determination to win.

Legacy

John Snow’s legacy is defined by his aggressive, no-nonsense approach to fast bowling and his status as one of England’s premier fast bowlers during his era. His ability to unsettle batsmen with his pace, bounce, and fierce attitude made him a key figure in England’s cricketing history, especially in Ashes battles.

1. One of England’s Best Fast Bowlers: Snow is often ranked among England’s greatest fast bowlers. His record, especially against Australia, speaks to his skill and impact on the game.

2. Ashes Icon: Snow’s contribution to England’s success in the 1970-71 Ashes series remains one of his greatest achievements, cementing his place as an Ashes legend.

3. Influence on Future Fast Bowlers: Snow’s aggressive style, coupled with his ability to bowl long spells and maintain pressure, set an example for future generations of fast bowlers. He was a pioneer in combining pace with hostility, characteristics that would later be seen in bowlers like Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson.

4. Cricket Writer and Poet: Snow was not just a cricketer but also a writer. He authored several books, including his autobiography "Cricket Rebel", and is known for his interest in poetry. His thoughtful and reflective personality off the field contrasted with his aggressive demeanor on it, giving him a unique place in cricket culture.

5. Post-Cricket Career: After retiring from cricket, Snow pursued his writing career and maintained an interest in the game, often contributing to cricket literature. His legacy is remembered not just for his performances on the field but also for his contributions to the sport’s intellectual discourse.

In conclusion, John Snow is remembered as one of England’s most formidable fast bowlers, particularly during the Ashes series, where his impact was most felt. His combination of pace, aggression, and skill made him a key player in the history of English cricket, and his legacy continues to inspire fast bowlers around the world.

In the below video , watch some unplayable boowling by John Snow against  top Aussie batters in 1972 Ashes