Greg, Simon and “Basil” are inducted into the Glamorgan Hall of Fame
Thursday, 25 September saw the annual get-together of the Glamorgan Former Players’ Association with over 50 of the Welsh county’s former professionals meeting up at Sophia Gardens during the second day of the Club’s match against Lancashire in the Rothesay County Championship. (writes Andrew Hignell)
The day also saw the induction of three players – Simon Jones, Greg Thomas and Steve “Basil” Barwick – into the Club’s Hall of Fame, with some fond memories of their playing careers with Glamorgan being given by fellow Glamorgan Legends and Hall of Famers, Alan Jones, Steve Watkin and Hugh Morris.
Simon Jones was a member of the England squad that won the Ashes in 2005 with the Welshman emulating the achievements of his father Jeff by playing a leading role with the ball in Test cricket for England. During the series, the Swansea-born paceman bamboozled the Australian batters with a potent combination of raw pace and reverse swing. In the Third Test at Old Trafford, Simon also returned the best-ever bowling figures by a Glamorgan player in Test cricket for England as he claimed 6/53. In all, Simon played in 18 Test matches as well as 8 One-Day Internationals. Click here to read more about Simon who is now Glamorgan’s Hall of Famer #37.
Greg Thomas played for Glamorgan between 1979 and 1988 and after some fiery and hostile spells for the Welsh county, the Welsh speaker appeared in 5 Tests and 3 One-Day Internationals for England. His debut came during England`s tour to the Caribbean in 1985/86, and in the First Test, he nearly took a wicket with his first two deliveries in Test cricket, as Desmond Haynes edged his first ball over the head of first slip, before being dropped in the gully off the Welshman’s second delivery.
Click here to read more about Greg who is now Glamorgan’s Hall of Famer #38.
Steve “Basil” Barwick made his debut for Glamorgan in 1981 as a fast-medium seamer, before switching to off-cutters. His accuracy and miserly attitude to conceding runs was a key feature in Glamorgan securing the Sunday League title in 1993, whilst his subtle change of pace teased and tormented many of the finest batters on the county circuit. Some cricket writers even suggested that the England selectors could do far worse than selecting Steve in their squads for various One-Day Internationals. Click here to read more about Steve who is now Glamorgan’s Hall of Famer #39.
Further Glamorgan players and long-serving officials of the Club will be added to the Hall of Fame in the coming years.