5 Iconic voices who will forever be missed by Cricket fans

#4 Robin Jackman

Robin Jackman at the Newlands, Cape Town

Born in Shimla, India during the dying days of the British Raj, Englishman Robin Jackman played first-class Cricket for Surrey and the Western Province in South Africa, where he settled into a broadcasting job after his playing days were over.

His commentary style was conversational and non-controversial, in contrast with his playing career (when selected for the tour to the Windies in 1980-81 aged 36, the Guyanese Government opposed his involvement due to his links with Apartheid-torn South Africa and revoked his Visa).

Jackman displayed his deep understanding of the game on a regular basis and praised good cricket whole-heartedly. Having been a fast bowler himself, he was known to enlighten the viewer about subtle variations that the pacers bowled and would speak at length about the technique of the batsman and how to plan to dismiss him.

Jackman was diagnosed with Throat Cancer in November 2012. Fortunately, the treatment was successful and he returned to commentary in 2013. However, his appearances in the commentary box have since been sporadic and have now dried up completely.