Jack Clifton is a passionate cricket fan who gets the opportunity to watch cricket from what many consider the best seat in the house. The commentary box.
Jack has had the good fortune of commentating NSW first class games in Sydney.
Let’s find out more about Jack’s passion and love of the game
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Steve Waugh
What year you were born?
1990
What State do you live in?
NSW
When did you first start developing a love for cricket?
Through my dad and my family. They are all cricket mad and it was drummed into me at a young age that cricket was the superior sport!
Tell us briefly about your journey in the game?
I've been playing cricket my entire life. I started off with Como-Jannali in the junior ranks and then moved into the senior teams in 2005. I never played at any great level although did represent Sutherland in the Under 19's in 2009.
What was your highest score and who for, where and when?
I made a match-winning 77 for Como in the Sutherland Shire comp as a 17-year-old. Was probably my highest honour as a player as it came at a difficult time with the side in trouble. I did make a higher score of 91 later on, but that had a fair few more outside edges in it!
What were your best bowling figures?
5 for 8 for Como-Jannali at Lakewood Reserve in Bonnet Bay against Heathcote. The Grass was about 4 foot high so I was probably pretty lucky that runs were hard to score!
Which club and or competition do you support?
I guess starting at grassroots I support Sutherland and am always interested in how they are going from 1st grade down to 5th grade. Having commentated the Sheffield Shield in the last few summers I support the NSW Blues and also the Sydney Sixers in the BBL. Well, you can't be a cricket fan in Australia and not support the Aussies can you?
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
I was fortunate enough to call two Mitchell Starc hat-tricks in the same game at Hurstville oval when NSW played WA. An incredible game that went right down to the wire
Who has been your favourite Australian captain?
Steve Waugh again! He captained the game like he played it, aggressive. He took Australia to a new level and wasn't scared to take a gamble when in the field.
Who’s been the batsman you’ve enjoyed watching the most?
Recently it has been Steve Smith. His ability to occupy the crease and frustrate world attacks. It has been a joy to watch. I think previously it was Steve Waugh. He put such a price on his wicket and at times would refuse to give his wicket away. His infamous spell against Curtly Ambrose in the Caribbean in 1995 epitomized him as a batsman
Who in your opinion has been the best bowler?
Shane Warne. I don't know if there will ever be a leg-spinner that will be achieve the things that Warnie did. His control and the different deliveries he had in his arsenal was incredible
Who in your opinion has been the best wicket keeper?
I grew up watching cricket in the 1990's and to see a player in the mould of Adam Gilchrist, raised the value of test cricket.
Like Warne he had the ability to turn a game in an instant. He'd come in at 5 down when the opposition thought they had a sniff of a win or for a low first innings total, and he would completely demoralise them. An incredible striker of the ball.
Who in your opinion has been the best umpire?
Simon Taufel. He was so measured in his decision making and never rushed into decisions. Was a great manager of people and players respected him. That for me marks the talent of an umpire.
What’s the most picturesque ground you’ve had the opportunity to watch or play a game of cricket?
I'm a little bit biased as a Sydney sider, I think the SCG is one of the greatest grounds in the world. The old of the ladies and members stands mixed with the new Noble Bradman stands gives a feel of what has been achieved and what is to come. Many times I have had to pinch myself seeing the sun set across the Members stand, I don't know if there is a better sight in cricket.
If there was one match up, a bowler and batsman going head to head at their peak, who would you choose?
I would love to see the likes of McGrath/Warne against Steve Smith
What’s your preferred format of the game, Test Cricket, One day games, T20?
Test cricket
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?
Encourage participation between associate nations and top tier nations, add more value to Test cricket rather than the copious amounts of T20 and one-day matches, participation at grass roots level not just in Australia but other countries, especially developing cricket nations such as Afghanistan, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh etc.
Who are the 3 cricketers from any era you’d like to invite to a BBQ?
Mike Whitney (he'd have some great stories and enjoys a drink), Richie Benaud (the voice of cricket in Australia) and Tony Greig (I reckon he'd be a great guy to share a few drinks with and a titan of cricket during the 1980's)
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