Player Biography

Jack Martin was a dapper, right-arm fast bowler and a capable lower-order batsman who made three appearances for Kent before the war. His outings were limited to the time he could get off from his work as a manager for Legal & General Assurance. In 1947 a shortage of genuine quick bowlers led to his call-up for the first Test against South Africa – he had just taken nine wickets in his first Championship appearance of the summer. Opening the attack with Alec Bedser, he took 1 for 111 as South Africa amassed 533. England were skittled out for 208 and, following on, were facing possible defeat when he added 51 for the 10th wicket with Eric Hollies. He was not picked again, and continued to play a few games every summer for Kent and MCC when time permitted. He played the bulk of his club cricket for Catford Wanderers.