James Andrew Tomlinson, a left-arm swing bowler from England, had a remarkable cricket career that spanned 15 years. Although plagued by injuries, Tomlinson still managed to establish himself as a reliable and experienced performer for Hampshire.
Known for his deceptive swing and slippery deliveries, Tomlinson was a force to be reckoned with when fully fit. Unfortunately, his career was hindered by a series of injuries, causing him to miss significant chunks of playing time. In 2005, a back problem forced him to sit out the entire season, and over the next two years, he only featured in seven first-class matches.
However, when Tomlinson was able to showcase his skills on the field, he proved his worth. In the 2008 season, he ended with a remarkable tally of 67 first-class wickets, topping the charts and earning his county cap. This impressive performance demonstrated the potential that Tomlinson possessed when he was in full flow.
Despite continued struggles with injuries, Tomlinson remained a steady performer for Hampshire. In 2013, he surpassed the 50-wicket mark in a season for the second time in his career, and a year later, he claimed 47 wickets at an average of 25.85, contributing significantly to his team’s promotion as Division Two champions.
As the one-day competition returned to 50-overs, Tomlinson seized the opportunity to prove his skills with the white ball. He returned nine wickets at an average of 19.66 in seven of Hampshire’s eight group matches, showcasing his adaptability and versatility as a bowler.
In his final season, Tomlinson endured a disappointing match against Middlesex, in which Hampshire suffered an innings defeat and received negative points due to penalties. Despite this setback, Tomlinson managed to take 14 wickets at an average of 34.5, ending the season as Hampshire’s leading bowler. Following this, he decided it was time to retire, sharing an entertaining farewell statement comparing himself to an aging dog struggling to keep up with the pack.
Graeme Swann, a former England spinner, declared Tomlinson’s retirement statement as “the greatest in the history of English cricket,” acknowledging the impact and legacy Tomlinson left behind.
Throughout his career, Tomlinson faced numerous setbacks but always bounced back with determination and resilience. He will be remembered as a skillful left-arm swing bowler who possessed a great threat when swing was in favor. Hampshire Cricket will forever be grateful for Tomlinson’s contributions to the team, and his legacy will inspire future generations of cricket players.
