Jeremy William Lloyds is a former professional cricket player and umpire from England. Born in Malaya, he was educated at Blundell’s and showed great promise in the sport from a young age. However, Lloyds took a different path before making his debut for Somerset in 1979.
Before embarking on his career in county cricket, Lloyds served on the MCC cricket staff at Lord’s. This experience allowed him to develop his skills and gain valuable insights into the game. At the age of 24, he finally made his debut as a late starter in county cricket.
Lloyds quickly established himself as a reliable allrounder for Somerset. His batting style, characterized by a squat stance and left-handed technique, proved to be consistent and effective. He also showcased his prowess in bowling with his loopy offspin. From 1981 to 1985, Lloyds consistently scored over 800 runs each year, and in 1986, he achieved his highest total of 1295 runs. Throughout his career, he surpassed the coveted 1000-run mark on three occasions, culminating in his retirement in 1991 with an impressive tally of 10,679 runs at an average of 31.04. He also notched up ten centuries, including two in the same match for Somerset against Northampton in 1982.
Lloyds was not just a talented batsman; he also had a knack for bowling. Over the course of his career, he amassed 333 wickets at an average of 38.86. His best bowling performance came against Essex in 1982 when he claimed seven wickets for 88 runs. His contributions with both bat and ball made him a valuable asset to Somerset and later, Gloucestershire, where he unexpectedly moved in 1986.
After retiring as a player, Lloyds transitioned into a career in umpiring. In 1998, he became a first-class umpire, impressing with his calm and authoritative manner on the field. His progress was swift, and in 2000, he officiated in his first one-day international match at Bristol, the same ground where he had achieved many triumphs as a player.
Four years later, Lloyds achieved a significant milestone in his umpiring career when he stood in his first Test match. This accomplishment led to his inclusion in the International Cricket Council’s international panel, a prestigious position just below the elite panel. Lloyds was widely admired for his fair decision-making and deep understanding of the game.
However, in April 2006, Lloyds made the difficult decision to step down from umpiring in top-level matches. Citing “family reasons,” he prioritized his personal life over his career in cricket, displaying his strong values and commitment to his loved ones.
Jeremy William Lloyds’s contributions to cricket as both a player and umpire are commendable. His dedication, versatility, and cricketing prowess have left a lasting impact on the sport.
