The Middlesex off spinner John Emburey was England's first choice spinner for nearly
l7 years, although his career was continually interrupted, not least by two bans for
touring an ostracised South Africa. He was captain of England for two Tests in the
six-captain summer of 1988, losing the job not because of his own actions but because
the incompetence of his batsman meant the spinner's place had to be sacrificed to
an extra batter. Emburey played an unsung but vital part in Botham's Ashes of 1981.
Although he missed the legendary Headingley Test he played an important part in
the second victory at Edgbaston, taking 4-43 in the first innings, scoring 37 not out
to shore up England's innings, then removing Border with a sharply spinning ball
as the left hander was winning the match. In 1978-79 in Australia he formed an all
off-spin attack with Geoff Miller, and in 1981 took 5-124 against West Indies in Trinidad.
After his first ban he returned to the England side against Australia at Headingley in 1985,
taking 5-82 in the second innings. He had 5-78 in Trinidad in 1986, and in Australia in
1986-87 took 5-80 in Brisbane and 7-78 in Sydney. Recalled by England in 1993 his
55 not out made him second top scorer in Mike Atherton's first Test as captain. Emburey
played in the 1987 World Cup final. He toured South Africa in 1981-82, but Derek Underwood
was preferred for the unofficial Tests. In 1989-90 he played in the 'Test' at Johannesburg
but only took one wicket. (Bob Harragan)