The career of Jack Simmons gives hope to every club cricketer. A journeyman professional in the Lancashire leagues, he made his first-class debut in 1968 at 27 and thereafter scarcely missed a match - or meal - for over 20 years. His nickname 'Flat Jack' rather diminishes the effect of his tidy offspin and legendary tales of his consumption of fish and chips should not obscure his great contribution to Lancashire cricket, though it is a significant part of his appeal as a folk hero. He made vital runs in the lower order, often in partnership with his fellow spinner David Hughes, and it was from his bowling that Jack Bond took the famous catch to dismiss Asif Iqbal to win the 1971 Gillette Cup when a Kent victory looked inevitable. He made a huge impact as the overseas star of Tasmania and is currently chairman of Lancashire. In February 2008, he succeeded Dennis Amiss as chairman of the ECB.
Colin Schindler February 2008