Jo Angel, Australian cricketer

Joseph Anthony ‘Jo’ Angel, born on April 22, 1968, is a highly respected figure in Australian cricketing history, particularly renowned for his formidable presence as a fast bowler during the 1990s. Hailing from Western Australia, Angel carved out a significant career primarily in the domestic arena, though he also earned the honour of representing his country on a few occasions.

Angel’s most striking physical attribute was his towering height, standing at an imposing 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm). This exceptional stature was a defining characteristic of his bowling style. It allowed him to extract disconcerting bounce from even the most placid pitches, often sending the ball rearing towards a batsman’s ribs or head. This made him a challenging and intimidating prospect for any opposition, and a valuable asset to his teams, particularly in conditions where other bowlers might struggle to generate lift.

Domestic Dominance with Western Australia

While his international appearances were relatively brief, Jo Angel’s legacy is firmly cemented in Australian domestic cricket, especially through his stellar performances for Western Australia. He was a stalwart of the state team during a highly competitive era, playing a pivotal role in many campaigns. Over the course of his first-class career, Angel impressively captured a total of 485 wickets. A significant portion of these, 445 to be precise, were taken while donning the black and gold of Western Australia, primarily in the prestigious Sheffield Shield competition. This outstanding tally underscores his consistency, durability, and skill against some of the best batsmen in Australia, establishing him as one of Western Australia's most prolific pacemen of his generation.

Brief International Stint

Angel’s formidable domestic form earned him the ultimate recognition: a call-up to the Australian national team. Between 1993 and 1995, he had the opportunity to represent Australia on the international stage. During this period, he played in four Test matches, the pinnacle of the sport, and also featured in three One Day Internationals. His time in the Baggy Green, though short-lived amidst an era of fierce competition for fast-bowling spots within the Australian squad, remains a highlight of his career, showcasing his talent at the highest level of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jo Angel

When was Jo Angel born?
Jo Angel was born on April 22, 1968.
Which country did Jo Angel represent in international cricket?
Jo Angel represented Australia in both Test matches and One Day Internationals.
How many international matches did Jo Angel play?
He played in four Test matches and three One Day Internationals for Australia.
What was Jo Angel's primary strength as a bowler?
His primary strength was his towering height of 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm), which allowed him to generate significant bounce and make him a challenging fast bowler for batsmen.
Which domestic team did Jo Angel play for in Australia?
Jo Angel played the majority of his domestic first-class cricket for Western Australia, where he took 445 of his 485 career wickets.
During what period did Jo Angel play international cricket?
He played internationally for Australia between 1993 and 1995.