Jacob Benedict Lintott, also known as Jake Lintott, is an English cricket player who gained recognition during the 2021 season as one of the feelgood stories of the white-ball summer. Born on June 21, 1994, in Taunton, Somerset, Lintott signed his first professional contract with Warwickshire at the age of 27, marking a significant breakthrough in his career.
Lintott’s journey to professional cricket was anything but straightforward. Throughout his twenties, he trialled with various county second teams, but struggled to find a team willing to take a chance on his idiosyncratic style of bowling. His left-arm wristspin made him a unique prospect, but he had difficulty securing a permanent position.
In 2018, England had considered using Lintott as a net bowler to prepare for India’s tour, specifically to face Kuldeep Yadav. Unfortunately, he was unavailable at the time, preventing him from gaining exposure at the international level. Despite a few appearances for Hampshire and Gloucestershire in the T20 Blast, Lintott remained without a full-time contract.
However, things took a turn for the better in 2020. The coaches at Warwickshire had spotted Lintott’s potential during a trial the previous summer and maintained contact with him during the Covid-19 lockdown. He formed a close bond with Graeme Welch, the team’s bowling coach, who conducted virtual training sessions with him via Zoom. Lintott took advantage of his furloughed status as head of cricket at Queen’s College Taunton, using the spare time to focus on fitness and shed 18 kilograms. The transformation from a “biggish lad” to a professional-looking athlete became evident.
Warwickshire signed Lintott on a short-term registration for the T20 Blast in 2020, and he exceeded expectations. The left-arm wristspinner showcased his skills, taking 10 wickets in nine games with an impressive economy rate of 6.30. While his novelty as the only frontline wristspinner on the county’s roster played a part, Lintott’s success was also attributed to his meticulous preparation. He dedicated long hours to studying opponents, working closely with bowling coaches and analysts to develop specific plans for each batter.
Lintott continued his impressive performances in the 2021 season, solidifying his reputation as a rising star. He took 15 wickets in the T20 Blast and earned a coveted ‘wildcard’ deal in the Hundred. Despite being initially left out of the Southern Brave’s first game, his exceptional skills caught the attention of coach Mahela Jayawardene, resulting in Lintott playing every remaining fixture for the team. As the competition progressed, Lintott emerged as the leading wicket-taker for the Southern Brave, ultimately contributing to their triumph at Lord’s.
Beyond domestic cricket, Lintott’s success has garnered attention on the international stage. Carlos Brathwaite, his Warwickshire teammate, dubbed him ‘cricket’s Jamie Vardy,’ further increasing his popularity and recognition. As a result, Lintott secured opportunities to showcase his skills with the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League and Fortune Barisal in the Bangladesh Premier League.
Jake Lintott’s journey from a journeyman club bowler to a sought-after cricket player symbolizes the perseverance and determination required in the world of professional sports. His relentless work ethic, coupled with his unique left-arm wristspin, has made him a rising star in English cricket. As he continues to make his mark on the sport, Lintott’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across the globe.