John Emburey

John Ernest Emburey (born 20 August 1952, Peckham, London) is a former English cricketer, who played for Middlesex, Northamptonshire, Western Province, Berkshire and England.

Cricket writer, Colin Bateman noted, concerning Emburey's participation in two South African rebel tours that it "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".

Playing career

Emburey was a right arm spin bowler and a slightly eccentric 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 was briefly made England Test captain in 1988, the notorious "Summer of four captains". 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.

Emburey was the only cricketer to go on both the England rebel tours to South Africa in...
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