Tobias Skelton Roland-Jones, commonly known as Toby Roland-Jones, is an English cricketer who has made a name for himself as a remarkable seamer. Born and raised in Ashford, Middlesex, Roland-Jones excels in consistently hitting the right line and length, making him a potent threat to opposition batsmen.
Roland-Jones burst onto the international scene at the age of 29, making his Test debut for England against South Africa. In a remarkable display of skill and determination, he made an immediate impact by scalping the top four South African batsmen in his first 33 balls. His victims included the likes of Dean Elgar, Heino Kuhn, Quinton de Kock, and the formidable Hashim Amla, who had recently scored an unbeaten 311. By the end of the innings, Roland-Jones had claimed five wickets, and he went on to take eight wickets in the match. His incredible start to his Test career was the best by an England bowler since James Kirtley in 2003.
During his maiden Test summer, Roland-Jones showcased his exceptional skills, taking 17 wickets at an average of 19.64. He demonstrated his ability to consistently move the ball around off stump at speeds of around 82-83 mph. Some critics initially questioned if he was just an “English specialist,” but Roland-Jones proved them wrong by earning a spot on the Ashes tour. Unfortunately, his dream of representing England in the historic series was shattered when he suffered a stress fracture in his lower back during a Championship match against Lancashire.
Injuries continued to haunt Roland-Jones, with subsequent setbacks involving his back, shoulder, and knee cartilage. However, his value to Middlesex County Cricket Club remained evident, and he was named captain of the red-ball team for the 2023 county season. He etched his name in Middlesex’s history when his hat-trick in a match against Yorkshire secured their first Championship win in 23 years. His heroics mirrored the achievements of his predecessor, Angus Fraser, a former Middlesex cricketer, and current director of cricket.
Known for his repeatable action and ability to maintain good economy rates, Roland-Jones received a call-up to the England squad at the age of 28 but narrowly missed out on a spot in the playing XI. Despite failing to secure a contract with Surrey, he made an impressive first-class debut for Middlesex in 2010, taking 36 wickets at an average of 19.11. His potential caught the eye of Middlesex director of cricket, Angus Fraser, who had observed Roland-Jones while playing for Leeds & Bradford University in the Universities final at Lord’s.
In 2014, Roland-Jones was elected to the England Lions squad after being regarded as an outsider for national selection. One memorable performance that season was against Northamptonshire, where he claimed career-best figures of 6-55 and 6-50 in the first and second innings, respectively, while also contributing a rapid 60 runs with the bat.
Roland-Jones’ journey in cricket has been full of highs and lows, with injuries often robbing him of opportunities. Nevertheless, his exceptional talent, dedication, and leadership qualities have made him an invaluable asset to Middlesex. Through his consistent performances and remarkable exploits on the field, Roland-Jones has established himself as one of England’s most reliable and skillful seamers.