Will Jefferson

Who is Will Jefferson?

William Ingleby Jefferson is a former professional cricketer who played for Essex County Cricket Club, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire in a 12-year career. He retired from the game in 2012 as a result of a chronic hip complaint. Standing about 6 feet 10 inches tall, he was the tallest player in county cricket during most of his career, and among the tallest professional cricketers ever.

Jefferson was a right-handed opening batsman and a reliable slip fielder. He was born in Derby to a cricketing family; his father Richard Jefferson played first-class cricket for Surrey. He showed his promise at Oundle School and Durham University, and made his first-class debut for British Universities against the touring Zimbabweans in 2000.

His first full season at Essex was 2002, during which he scored 815 first-class runs; his 165 not out in the final match of the season made a major contribution to Essex winning the second division of the County Championship.

His best season was 2004, in which he scored 1555 first-class runs at an average of 55.53 with 6 centuries including a high score of 222. In 2005, a slump in form saw him relegated to the Essex Second XI, but he responded with 303 not out against MCC Young Cricketers, and regained his place in the first team.