John Augustine Snow was one of England’s most formidable fast bowlers during the mid-1960s to early 1970s. His remarkable skills and natural talent made him a force to be reckoned with, and many consider him to be one of the best fast bowlers of his time.
Born in Sussex, England, on October 13, 1941, Snow was the son of a Church of England clergyman. From a young age, he showed an immense passion for cricket, honing his skills in local matches and school games. His talent was quickly recognized, and he made his first-class debut for Sussex in 1961.
Snow’s rise to prominence was swift, and his ability to consistently bowl at an impressive pace captivated selectors. In 1965, he earned his first Test cap for England, marking the beginning of an illustrious international career. If he had been Australian, it is almost certain that Snow would have been an automatic selection for every Test match.
However, Snow’s unconventional personality often clashed with selectors and teammates alike. Despite being recognized as England’s best fast bowler, he only played 49 Test matches throughout his career. This limited number of appearances was mainly due to his strong-willed nature, making him difficult to handle for the English panels of selectors.
Snow’s career was marked by controversial moments that overshadowed his exceptional talent. On one occasion, he was dropped by Sussex for allegedly “not trying,” a decision that shocked the cricketing world. Another incident occurred during a Test match against India at Lord’s in 1971 when Snow barged into Sunil Gavaskar, causing him to fall. As a result, Snow was dropped from the England team.
Despite the occasional turbulence in his career, Snow consistently displayed his sheer brilliance on the cricket field. His performances were particularly memorable during England’s tours of the West Indies and Australia. In the 1970-71 Ashes series, Snow’s 31 wickets, combined with the batting prowess of his teammates Boycott and Edrich, played a crucial role in England reclaiming the Ashes.
Characterized by his rhythm, accuracy, and the ability to generate extreme pace, Snow was a fearsome bowler. His vicious bouncer, in particular, left batsmen trembling. However, what set him apart from other fast bowlers of his time was his demeanor on the field. Unlike his Australian counterpart Glenn McGrath, Snow never resorted to sledging or verbal intimidation to discomfort batsmen. The sheer air of menace he exuded was enough to unsettle even the most composed of opponents.
Beyond cricket, Snow had a multifaceted personality. He had a strong passion for literature and expressed his artistic flair through two published books of poetry. During his retirement, he surprised many by establishing a successful travel agency. This demonstrated his ability to succeed in diverse fields, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
John Snow’s contribution to English cricket cannot be overshadowed by the controversies that surrounded his career. With his exceptional skill, he carved a name for himself as one of the greatest fast bowlers of his generation. Today, his record and impact are still recognized, cementing his place in cricket history.
