Robin David Jackman was a formidable cricketer hailing from England, known for his relentless spirit on the field and making the most out of his natural abilities. Born in India, he spent most of his formative years in England, but his close association with South Africa led him to coach and represent Rhodesia and Western Province over numerous English winters.
Jackman’s career took an unexpected turn when he was selected to tour the West Indies in 1980-81, only to have it marred by political controversy. As he had ties with the apartheid regime in South Africa, the Guyanese government revoked his visa as a form of protest. This act led to the abandonment of the second Test of the series, as the English management refused to bow down to political pressure.
Nicknamed the “Shoreditch Sparrow” by Alan Gibson in The Times, Jackman marked his Test debut in the first match of the series. Despite an impressive season with Surrey and moderate success in his five one-day international appearances, he only played one more Test on that tour. He later made two appearances against Pakistan in 1982 during home games but was unable to establish himself as a consistent Test player. However, Jackman found more success in the limited-overs format, representing England in 15 matches.
Although relatively short for a fast bowler, Jackman compensated with his energetic run-up, accurate delivery, and a powerful follow-through. He possessed the ability to move the ball both in the air and off the seam, making him a potent wicket-taker in county cricket. Throughout his career, he snared over 1,400 first-class wickets at an impressive average of 22.8. While his primary focus was bowling, Jackman’s batting skills were modest at best, and his highest first-class score was an unbeaten 92 against Kent in 1974.
The Surrey County Cricket Club became Jackman’s sporting home, as he joined their ranks in 1966 and remained a loyal player for 16 years. He also had the privilege of representing Western Province during the 1971-72 season and Rhodesia from 1972-73 to 1979-80. Following his retirement from professional cricket, Jackman ventured into the media industry in South Africa, where he became a familiar voice as part of various TV commentary teams.
Robin David Jackman’s cricket career was marked by his determined and whole-hearted approach to the game. Despite not attaining the status of a permanent Test player, his ability to excel in county cricket and contribute to limited-overs formats showcases his talent and dedication. Jackman’s story serves as a testament to the resilience and passion that drives cricketers to overcome challenges and make their mark on the sport.
