The Spin | ‘Nobody likes to be belittled’: how New Zealand’s ‘Ilford seconds’ made history in 1986

Jeremy Coney’s tourists 40 years ago lacked the resources and professionalism of their opponents but got under England’s skin to claim a famous series win

Jeremy Coney is barking with laughter recalling the story of winding up England’s Phil Edmonds at Trent Bridge 40 years ago.

“We needed about 70-odd runs to win the match and go 1-0 up in the series. Edmonds was bowling to myself and Martin Crowe with this rather garish sponsored wristwatch on.”