Jim Dayhew is a very proud former player of St George District Cricket Club. With strong family ties with the club we wanted to find out more about Jim’s passion and insights into the game.
What year you were born?
1968 in Auburn, NSW
What State do you live in?
NSW
When did you first start developing a love for cricket?
My first recollection was the Centenary Test in 1977, with David Hookes giving it to Tony Greig, may they rest in peace. The Ashes Tour followed quickly but it was World Series Cricket which caught my imagination and provided an array of heroes to gaze upon in wonder.
Tell us briefly about your journey in the game?
Like many homes then, backyards provided ample space for your own Test Matches. I started playing formally with Mitch Starc’s junior club, Berala Sports CC in the Under 11s during 1979-80, in the Parramatta Juniors.
In my first match at Kellyville, I scored 2 and took 2/1 with a double bouncer!
I had a few years off, playing club golf, and then a few seasons playing Churches Cricket. I had a year at Sydney University, where I was studying Human Movement Education.
However, my greatest thrill was to play a few seasons with St George DCC in my mid-20s. I was an eager and lighting medium pace opening bowler, who could do a bit in the right conditions. I played in the lower grades and was a mentor to the Greenies, where I was a coach. I’ve coached ever since in the schools where I’ve taught and set up a couple of Academies.
Jim Dayhew and his father Bob
What was your highest score?
My highest score was 102 in Under 14s for Berala at Granville Park in 1982/3. I was dropped about 8 times! I also scored 5 ducks that season.
What were your best bowling figures?
On an overcast day on a damp (Christmas pudding) Harold Fraser Oval at Blakehurst, I took 8/50, having been 8/20 odd before it dried out! This was for Saints 5th Grade vs Manly DCC in 1995/6. My other grade haul was at the same venue against the same team, taking 6/30.
Which club and or competition do you support?
St George DCC in NSW Premier Cricket. I take my elderly father-in-law, a club legend, to watch his grandson play most Saturdays. I also follow Sydney Thunder in the BBL, but much prefer First Class Cricket.
Jim Dayhew with his father in law Brian Booth
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
I saw Michael Clarke spin Australia to victory late on Day 5 vs India. Also saw a young Brian Lara reel off a majestic 277 at the SCG.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
People might not like this, but Sir Ian Botham. A match winner with bat or ball, often at our cost. I tried to model myself on him but failed dismally!
Ian Botham
Who has been your favourite Australian captain?
Brian Booth, 1966-7 vs England. A man of integrity, humility, and humour. He has a deep Christian faith and character which is respected by all. At St George, he is still revered and addressed as ‘Mr Booth.’
Brian Booth
Who’s been the batsman you’ve enjoyed watching the most?
Steve Smith. He has immense powers of concentration and usually an effective, while at times unorthodox, array of shots.
Who in your opinion has been the best fast bowler?
Dennis Lillee from my youth, Pat Cummins currently. Merv Hughes was my favourite, as I resembled him, but I bowled more like Paul Reiffel!
Who in your opinion has been the best spinner?
S.K.Warne
Who in your opinion has been the best wicket keeper?
Ian Healy
Who in your opinion has been the best umpire?
England’s Richard ‘Dickie’ Bird, followed by Simon Taufel.
Dickie Bird
What’s the most picturesque ground you’ve had the opportunity to watch or play a game of cricket?
The Sydney Cricket Ground, just ahead of Hurstville Oval.
If there was one match up, a bowler and batsman going head to head at their peak, who would you choose?
Sir Donald Bradman vs Shane Warne
What’s your preferred format of the game, Test Cricket, One day games, T20?
Test Cricket, 100%. It takes you to a more leisurely time, it allows a true test over many days, it can turn so quickly, and rewards the spectator with lasting memories in ways that others can’t.
What do Cricket Officials need to do over the next 10 or so years to ensure people get to enjoy the game as much as you do?
I believe there needs to be more incentive to go and watch cricket. This starts by grade clubs attracting families and offering a way to connect with their district team. Providing community is a great need to assist people to have a sense of belonging and connectedness, particularly post-Covid. The cost of a day at the SCG Tests and ODIs is also out of range for many families, so lowering costs to make big game cricket more accessible is important.
Who are the 3 cricketers from any era you’d like to invite to a BBQ?
Outside of family, Ian Botham, Dennis Lillee and Merv Hughes.
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