Name:

Lever, John K

Date of Birth:

24 Feb 1949

Gender:

Men

Place of Birth:

Stepney, London

Career:

Test: 1976 - 1986
ODI: 1976 - 1982

Teams:

Essex (Regional)
England (Country)

1980 Jubilee Test: All round Botham cleans up India (Mumbai)

John Kenneth Lever (born 24 February 1949, Stepney, London) was a left-arm fast-medium bowler who played 21 Tests and 22 ODIs for England between 1976 and 1986. A key figure in England’s attack during the late 1970s, he claimed 73 Test wickets at an average just under 27, with a best of 7 for 46.

At county level he was a cornerstone of Essex County Cricket Club from 1967 to 1989, helping drive the club’s golden era under Keith Fletcher as Essex became a dominant force in domestic cricket.

Lever was renowned for his control, stamina and ability to swing the new ball, particularly in helpful English conditions. Though primarily selected for his bowling, he was a useful lower-order batsman and a wholehearted competitor whose work ethic earned widespread respect.

In 1979 he was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year, recognition of his impact at both international and county level during one of the most competitive eras of English seam bowling.

His career was briefly overshadowed by the so-called “Vaseline affair” during England’s 1976–77 tour of India. Lever admitted applying Vaseline to his lips to combat the heat and was accused by Indian authorities of using it to illegally shine the ball and enhance swing. Although no formal charges were upheld and he continued playing on the tour, the controversy drew global attention and remains one of cricket’s more unusual ball-tampering disputes.

Lever later received an MBE for services to cricket and remained closely associated with Essex in coaching and ambassadorial roles.