About JB - Surrey’s All Action Man

James Bond, Jack Bauer, Jason Bourne.

Everyone an all-action hero, a genuine all-rounder, ready to take on all-comers. And every one of them right at the top of their game.

And it’s no different with our JB, whose benefit year it is in 2009. Although none of the first three doubled up as Community Ambassador, as Batty does for Surrey.

No task too great, no mission turned down, Surrey’s very own action man is getting the year he deserves and you can be a part of it. But before we get to the events side of things, a few words about our hero...


Born in Chesterfield 34 summers ago, he graduated from Durham Uni in 1993, spent a season at Hampshire, and trialled at Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Middlesex, Surrey and Somerset without snaring a contract. He kept the faith, however, turning out for British Universities, Oxfordshire and Minor Counties, before receiving offers from Somerset and Surrey for the 1997 season. Despite the presence of Graham Kersey and Alec Stewart at the Oval, JB plumped for Kennington and, 11 years on, we are mighty glad he did.

He may have been one of the lesser known names on the Championship-dominating side of the turn of the century but he was also one of the most important. And has been ever since. He averaged over 40 in 2005 and 2007 and over 50 in 2003 (when he was voted Cricketer of the Year by BBC Radio London listeners), not bad for one of the most adept keepers in the country, with over 600 first-class dismissals to his name. How he has missed out on England recognition is beyond most good judges but, as is his way, JB simply shrugs his shoulders and gets on quietly, positively and extremely skilfully with the next challenge. Since his arrival, he’s been a Surrey man through and through, a genuine good guy and that, in an age of short-term contracts and prima donnas, is something worth applauding.

A couple of statistical points to finish with: in 2004, JB equalled the world record for catches in an innings (eight) against Kent and he also played his part in Surrey’s record-breaking 496 for 4 in 50 overs in 2007, scoring an unbeaten 29 in just ten balls.

First-Class Batting and Fielding (1994‐2008)


  M I NO Runs HS Ave 100 50 Ct St
Overall 175 268 34 7851 168* 33.55 18 37 454 60