Jeremy Coney
Jeremy Coney | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 21, 1952 New Zealand |
| Occupation(s) | Cricketer, cricket broadcaster, stage lighting designer |
| Years active | 1974–1987 (cricket) |
| Known for | New Zealand cricket captain, all-rounder, cricket commentator |
Jeremy Vernon Coney (born 21 June 1952) is a retired New Zealand cricketer who has transitioned into a career as a cricket broadcaster. Recognized as an all-rounder, he represented New Zealand in 52 Test matches and 88 One Day Internationals (ODIs) from 1974 until 1987, captaining the team in 15 Tests and 25 ODIs.
International career
Among New Zealand's top batsmen by average, Coney accumulated sixteen half-centuries but did not score his maiden century until the age of 31, after nearly a decade of international play. During his tenure as captain, he suffered only one Test series defeat, which occurred during an away series against Pakistan. His leadership and performance earned him the distinction of being named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1984. In the 1986 series against England, when wicketkeeper Bruce French was injured, Coney permitted Bob Taylor to act as a substitute, aiding New Zealand in securing the series victory. As a medium-pace bowler, he claimed 54 wickets in ODIs, with his best bowling figures being four wickets for 46 runs against Sri Lanka in 1985.
Beyond cricket
Known by the nickname "The Mantis" due to his exceptional slip fielding skills, Coney authored his autobiography Playing Mantis: An Autobiography in 1986 and later co-authored The Wonderful Days of Summer in 1993. His contributions to cricket were recognized with an appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire during the 1986 Queen's Birthday Honours, and he was also a recipient of the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.
In 2001, Coney produced the documentary series The Mantis and the Cricket: Tales from the Tours, which delves into New Zealand’s cricket heritage through interviews with players and archival material. Currently residing in south Oxfordshire, he serves as a commentator for Sky TV and Test Match Special, noted for his unique broadcasting approach. Beyond cricket, Coney is professionally trained in stage lighting design; notably, in 2008 he provided lighting design for the solo theatrical production I Found My Horn, staged at both the Tristan Bates and Hampstead venues.