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)