Ashes Tests: 7
Captain: 1
Record: 1 draw
Off the Mark
Many tipped Barry Jarman to be Australia’s first-choice wicketkeeper throughout the 1960’s. However, the South Australian Jarman had to play second fiddle to Wally Grout; a player nine years his senior. Injuries gave him the odd match here and there, but he was never a regular in the Australian side.
In his seven Ashes appearances, Jarman scored 111 runs at 13.87. He also managed 18 catches against England, but didn’t register a stumping.
His Stint
Jarman captained Australia on one occasion during the 1968 tour of England. Regular skipper, Bill Lawry, was out with a broken finger. With a one nil lead, Lawry told Jarman that Australia just needed to draw the match to wrap up the series.
Australia batted first at Leeds, with the sole intention of lasting as long as they could. The side batted for 133 overs, adding 315 runs along the way. Ian Redpath top scored with 92, while only three batsmen in the top seven had a strike rate over 33.
Alan Connolly picked up five wickets for the visitors, with England making 302 at an even slower rate. Solid contributions from the top-order, including 81 from Ian Chappell, saw Australia reach 312.
Needing 326 to win on the last day, Jarman used 70 overs of pace to tie the opposition down. England didn’t get close in their run chase, with the match petering out to an unflattering draw. Bill Lawry had avoided defeat through his puppet captain, Jarman. Members of the Australian squad weren’t overly thrilled, especially Ian Chappell.
His Legacy
Barry Jarman never reached any dizzying heights. His form was consistent, but never spectacular. Importantly, at least for Bill Lawry, he did everything he could to ensure Australia didn’t lose the match at Headingly.
Jarman was merely a fill-in leader while Lawry was injured. He was unable to employ his own character to the position, because his every move was being dictated by the watchful eye of the injured captain.
Played and Missed
Jarman finished his first-class career with 560 dismissals; a record only bettered by Grout and Oldfield at the time.
Jarman recorded two half-centuries in his career, both against India.
Jarman held four catches in an innings on three occasions.
Jarman managed five centuries in first-class cricket, including a career best 196 against NSW.
After he retired, Jarman returned to cricket as a match referee until 2001.
