Arthur Jones

Arthur Jones Biography

AO Jones was an erratic but brilliant batsman, a useful leg-spinner, while also being a rugby union full-back or three-quarter for Bedford and later Leicester Tigers, leading the latter to their first piece of silverware. He represented Nottinghamshire with plenty of flamboyance in cricket, and even led England in two Test matches. Later in his short life he also stood as referee in five rugby international matches.

However, for all his all-round brilliance, perhaps the greatest mark left by Jones was as a fielder. Exceptional anywhere, he was particularly superb in the slips. He was also fast enough to edge closer and closer to the wicket from point, and thereby is credited with the creation of a new fielding position that came to be known as the gully.

He never quite made it in Test cricket. On his debut at The Oval, 1899, he hit 31 from No. 9 in a total of 576. He then took 3 for 73. However, after that he played 11 more Tests and did not take another wicket. In 20 more innings, he managed to go past his debut score of 31 just once, that too by only 3 runs. He led England to Australia in 1907-08, but with his constitution unable to withstand the rigours of a southern summer, Fred Fane had to deputise in 3 of the 5 Tests. England lost both Tests in which Jones led.

However, in spite of his rather poor record in Test cricket (batting average of 13.85 and bowling average of 44.33), he did have his moment of glory when he flung himself to his left in short-leg and caught Monty Noble one-handed, inches from the ground at short-leg, at Edgbaston in 1909. Jones was 36 and in poor health, but brilliant as ever on the field.

Plagued with health problems throughout his career, Jones passed away from tuberculosis at the age of 42.

Arunabha Sengupta

Arthur Jones Batting & Fielding Averages

Career

Avg

100s

50s

Test

ODIs

T20s

World Cup

Arthur Jones Bowling Averages

Career	M	B	R	W	Avg	EC	SR	5WI	10WM	BBI	BBM
Test	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
ODIs	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
T20s	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
World Cup	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--		--