Jeffrey Robert Thomson, known as “Thommo”, is a former Australian cricketer born on August 16, 1950, in Greenacre, New South Wales, Australia. He is renowned as one of the fastest bowlers in the history of cricket, with a recorded delivery speed of 160.6 km/h against the West Indies in Perth in 1975, which was the fastest recorded delivery at the time.
Here we have Jeffrey Thomson’s net worth, career earnings, biography, family, and more.
Jeffrey Thomson’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeffrey Robert Thomson |
| Date of Birth | 16 August 1950 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 74 |
| Education | Punchbowl High School |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | Not publicly available |
| Weight | Not publicly available |
| Turned Pro | 1972 (First-class debut for NSW) |
| Net Worth | $5–9 million |
| Salary / Career Earnings | Not disclosed |
| Spouse | Cheryl Wilson |
| Instagram Profile | @officialjeffthomson |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Jeff Thomson grew up in Greenacre, a suburb of Sydney, and showcased his raw talent on the local club scene before earning a spot at Punchbowl High School’s cricket team. He burst onto the first-class scene in October 1972 for New South Wales against Western Australia, stepping in for an injured teammate.
His slinging run-up and visible seam position immediately unsettled batsmen, and within five matches he claimed 17 wickets, prompting selectors to give him a surprise call-up for Australia’s second Test against Pakistan at the MCG. Playing through a broken bone in his foot— a fact he concealed from teammates—Thomson bowled 26 overs despite painful spasms. That debut outing yielded 0/110, but it marked the start of a meteoric rise.
After a brief retreat to fitness, Thomson returned at the close of the 1973–74 season with renewed fire, taking five-wicket hauls for NSW Colts and pushing for national selection. His raw pace promised a new era of fast bowling for Australia, and teammates nicknamed him “Thommo” in recognition of his fearsome arm.
By the 1974–75 Ashes tour, he and Dennis Lillee formed the world’s fastest new-ball partnership, laying the groundwork for a career that would redefine speed in Test cricket.
Professional Career
Thomson’s international career peaked during the 1974–75 Ashes when he captured 33 wickets at blistering speeds, including an unofficial 160.6 km/h delivery in Perth. Alongside Dennis Lillee, he spearheaded Australia’s bowling attack, and Wisden hailed them as the fastest pair ever to coincide in a Test side. His combination of yorkers, bouncers and unpredictable seam movement made batting on lively pitches a nightmare.
In 1977, Thomson chose to play World Series Cricket, joining the Supertests that pitted him against top international stars. A dispute over contracts saw him sidelined intermittently, but he still managed 16 wickets in the Caribbean and earned a coveted radio deal with Brisbane station 4IP.
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Shoulder and back injuries from his punishing action took their toll by the early 1980s, limiting his appearances. After a brief stint with Middlesex in county cricket and playing his final Test in 1985, he retired from international play, having amassed 200 Test wickets in just 51 matches.
Post-retirement, Thomson transitioned into commentary and media work, bringing his inside knowledge and affable personality to screens and stadiums. He remains a sought-after guest speaker at cricket events and charity fundraisers, sharing tales of raw pace and life on the road.
Wife
Jeff married Cheryl Wilson in 1976, and the couple celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary in December 2018. Cheryl, often seen supporting Thommo at matches and media appearances, has been a constant presence through the highs and lows of his career. Together they have one child, whose early years included vintage family photos capturing life on tour and quiet moments back home.
Cheryl has stepped into the spotlight alongside Jeff on occasion, modeling outfits for an Australian retail chain in promotional campaigns, and often joins him at celebrity speaking engagements.
The couple lives in New South Wales, where they host informal gatherings of former teammates and young cricketers keen to learn from Australia’s pace legend. Their enduring partnership reflects the same resilience and teamwork that characterized Thomson’s bowling partnerships on the field.
Jeffrey Thomson’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Jeffrey Thomson’s net worth is estimated to be $5–9 million.
Career Earnings
| Earnings Source | Amount (Estimated) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 4IP Radio Contract | A$630,000 total (A$63,000/yr) | 10-year deal negotiated by manager David Lord (1970s–1980s). |
| Test/ODI Match Fees | Undisclosed | Earned through 51 Tests and 50 ODIs (1972–1985) . |
| World Series Cricket Payments | Undisclosed | Participated in 1977–1979 Supertests; exact figures private . |
| Fastest Bowler Competition (1979) | A$10,000 | Won both speed (147.9 km/h) and accuracy prizes 810. |
| Commentary & Media Work | Undisclosed | Post-retirement roles with networks and guest appearances . |
| Endorsements | Undisclosed | Modeling campaigns (e.g., Australian retail chain) . |
| Charity Matches/Coaching | Undisclosed | Occasional clinics and exhibition matches . |
Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Best Bowling | Runs Scored | Batting Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 51 | 200 | 28.00 | 6/46 vs England | 679 | 12.81 |
| ODI | 50 | 55 | 35.30 | 4/67 vs West Indies | 181 | 7.54 |
FAQs
1. Who is Jeff Thomson?
Jeffrey Robert Thomson was born on 16 August 1950 in Sydney, Australia. He played as a right-arm fast bowler for the Australian national team between 1972 and 1985. Known by the nickname “Thommo,” he gained fame for his extreme pace and unconventional slinging action.
2. How fast did Thomson bowl?
Thomson achieved a recorded release speed of 160.6 km/h during a 1975 Test match in Perth, measured by high-speed cameras. He won a fastest-bowler competition in 1979 with a measured speed of 147.9 km/h and regularly troubled batsmen with deliveries exceeding 150 km/h.
3. What are Thomson’s career statistics and achievements?
In 51 Test matches, Thomson claimed 200 wickets at an average of 28.00, including 14 five-wicket hauls. In 50 One Day Internationals, he took 55 wickets at 35.30. He represented Australia in the 1975 and 1979 Cricket World Cups, finishing runner-up in 1975.
4. What made Thomson’s partnership with Dennis Lillee one of the most feared pace duos?
Thomson and Dennis Lillee combined raw speed, accuracy and relentless aggression during the mid-1970s. Their contrasting bowling actions and ability to extract pace on any surface intimidated batsmen worldwide. Wisden described them as possibly the fastest new-ball pairing ever seen in Test cricket history.
5. What has Thomson done since retiring from professional cricket?
After retiring in the mid-1980s, Thomson worked as a cricket commentator for various sports channels and made occasional appearances in veteran matches and charity events. He was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2016, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s fastest bowlers.
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