Martin Vernon

Martin Jeffery Vernon Born: 4 July 1951, Middlesex Hospital, London, England

Martin Vernon

Personal information
Full name	Martin Jeffery Vernon
Born	(1951-07-04) 4 July 1951 Marylebone, London, England
Batting	Right-handed
Bowling	Right-arm fast-medium
Role	Bowler
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1974–1976	Middlesex
1977	Gloucestershire
Career statistics
Competition FC List A Matches 22 31 Runs scored 146 75 Batting average 6.63 7.50 100s/50s 0/0 0/0 Top score 27 15* Balls bowled 1847 1399 Wickets 31 26 Bowling average 38.64 40.15 5 wickets in innings 2 0 10 wickets in match 1 n/a Best bowling 6/58 3/13 Catches/stumpings 5/0 3/0
Source: Cricinfo, 30 July 2013

Martin Jeffery Vernon was an English cricketer and media executive. He is known for his career as a fast bowler in English county cricket and his subsequent work in the British media industry.

Early Life and Cricket Career Vernon was born at Middlesex Hospital in London. He developed a passion for cricket at a young age, which led him to join the MCC Young Professionals in 1966. While working on the ground staff at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Vernon had the opportunity to play alongside players such as Ian Botham and Roland Butcher.

During the offseason, Vernon maintained his fitness by working in London’s Carnaby Street and training in martial arts under Japanese karate master Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda. His commitment to fitness and training helped him become one of the faster bowlers in England at the time. In 1972, after six years at the MCC, he signed his first professional contract with Middlesex County Cricket Club.

Vernon made his first-class debut for Middlesex in 1974 as an opening fast bowler. In his debut, he took 3 for 13 against Yorkshire in the John Player League, earning a spot in the team. He played alongside notable cricketers such as John Emburey and Wayne Daniel and was present when Mike Gatting made his professional debut for the club.

Career Highlights One of Vernon’s career highlights came during the 1974 County Championship. In a match against Somerset, Vernon took 11 wickets in total — 6 in the first innings and 5 in the second. During the second innings, he took 4 wickets in 7 balls. He also dismissed Viv Richards twice and took Brian Close for a pair, a first in Close’s career. Vernon also claimed the wicket of his former teammate Ian Botham in the second innings.

Vernon was also part of the Middlesex team that won the 1976 County Championship. In 1977, Vernon signed a three-year contract with Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. That year, he played a role in Gloucestershire’s victory in the Benson & Hedges Cup final at Lord’s, taking two wickets against Kent. He received his medal from Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Buckingham Palace. Gloucestershire also finished second in the County Championship that year. However, a chronic ankle injury forced Vernon to retire at the end of the 1977 season.

Post-Cricket Career After retiring from professional cricket, Vernon pursued a career in media. In October 1977, he joined the Daily Express newspaper in Fleet Street. He contributed to the launch of the Daily Star in November 1978 and later was involved in launching the Sunday Express Supplement.

Vernon also worked briefly at London Weekend Television, gaining experience in media production. He then joined Marshall Cavendish, where he launched Taste Magazine. In 1986, Vernon was invited by Robert Maxwell to join the London Daily News, which he successfully launched. Vernon later became the managing director of the magazine division before leaving in 1988. Shortly afterward, he rejoined Maxwell to lead a management buyout of the Sunday People newspaper.

Vernon was involved in the launch of The European, a newspaper aimed at promoting European unity. Although the publication folded in 1990, Vernon’s vision of a more unified Europe was considered ahead of its time. He later joined European Business News (CNBC) as global sales director for the pan-European television station.

Legacy In May 2024, Vernon was awarded an honorary cap during a Middlesex CCC Players Day at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The cap was presented by his former teammate Mike Gatting, alongside other former players, including Roland Butcher and Tim Lamb.

Martin Jeffery Vernon is remembered for his contributions to English cricket and the media industry. His early cricket career was marked by his achievements on the field, while his later career demonstrated his adaptability and leadership in the media sector.

External links

• Martin Vernon at ESPNcricinfo
• Martin Vernon at CricketArchive (subscription required)