Definition
Jimmy Daley is an English former professional cricketer who played as a right‑handed batsman for Durham County Cricket Club and represented England at youth level.
Overview
James “Jimmy” Daley was born on 19 June 1973 in Morpeth, Northumberland, England. He began his senior cricket career with Durham in 1991 and remained with the county throughout his entire professional playing tenure, retiring in 2005. During his career Daley accumulated more than 10 000 runs in first‑class cricket, making him one of Durham’s leading run‑scorers of the era. He also appeared in List A and Twenty‑20 matches for Durham. While he did not win senior caps for the England national team, Daley represented England at under‑19 level and was a regular feature of England A squads in the mid‑1990s. After retiring from playing, Daley pursued coaching and cricket development roles, contributing to the sport at the grassroots level.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Jimmy” is a diminutive form of “James,” a common English given name derived from the Hebrew name Yaʿaqōb (Jacob). “Daley” is a surname of Irish origin, an Anglicised form of the Gaelic Ó Dálaigh, meaning “descendant of Dálach.” The combination therefore reflects a typical Anglo‑Irish naming pattern.
Characteristics
- Batting style: Right‑handed top‑order batsman, primarily opening or batting at number 3.
- Bowling style: Occasionally bowled right‑arm off‑break, though he was seldom used as a bowler in professional matches.
- First‑class statistics (approx.): Over 10 000 runs, batting average near 33, with 16 centuries and 56 half‑centuries.
- List A statistics (approx.): More than 2 500 runs, batting average around 30.
- Notable performances: Recorded several high‑scoring innings for Durham, contributing to the county’s rise to County Championship Division One status in the early 2000s.
- Injury history: Persistent back and knee problems limited his availability in later seasons and contributed to his decision to retire.
Related Topics
- Durham County Cricket Club
- County Championship (England)
- England under‑19 cricket team
- List of Durham first‑class cricketers
- Cricket coaching and development in England