ONE-ON-ONE Interview with…Jonathan Stebbins

With the cricket season looming and the Cricket World Cup underway, Ravender Sembhy catches up with Jonathan Stebbins – captain and star batsman for Hackney-based Old Fallopians. Averaging over 100 runs per innings, Australian-born Stebbins looks forward to the new season and reflects on Australia, the World Cup and life in London.




You were born and raised in Sydney; how does it compare to London?

They’re a bit like chalk and cheese really. They are physically and culturally very different. London is a very diverse place. You have the people who have been here forever, but there are always lots of new people moving in: Poles, sub-continentals, Africans - you’ve got everything here, that’s what I like about it.

What is the standard of cricket like in Hackney?

[Laughs] The idea is to have fun. If you win that’s great, but it’s more about enjoyment. The great thing about Old Fallopians, cricketing standards aside, is the exotic nature of the players we have had over the years. We’ve had Indians, Pakistanis, New Zealanders, South Africans and even a Pole taking part. The club brings people from all over the world together. And we’ve had two women playing as well, one of whom was very good.

What do you think of Old Fallopians’ chances this season?

I think we’ll put on another thrilling display of entertaining cricket that will have the crowds in raptures. To be honest, the highlight of the season is actually the annual barbeque put on by the club and the DVD release of our season’s highlights – which will be available in a box set if anyone is interested.

Do you think you’ll have another successful season with the bat?

I hope so. I just try to keep my eye on the ball and it’s good that I’m captain because I’m able to choose where I bat in the order. This means that if the opposition has a few quick bowlers opening the innings, I’m able to avoid them by moving myself down.

Who do you think will win the Cricket World Cup?

I reckon three teams have a good chance: India, New Zealand and Australia. India have a great batting line up and New Zealand have been in good form. As for Australia, they’re just a great all round team and are always going to be favourites.

Who do you want to win the World Cup?

I just want it to be a good World Cup. The major teams will definitely get through to the latter stages, but who knows.

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