Edmonds played most of his cricket as a lower-order right-handed batsman, and bowled slow left-arm orthodox spin.

Possessing a textbook action and a pace bowler's temperament[4] – he was known to bowl the odd bouncer when riled – he was also able to use his height (standing over six feet tall) to flight the ball above the batsman's eye line.

Edmonds was renowned as one of the most entertaining and colourful characters in the game, whose mood could range from abrasive to charming, and remained a strong-minded and free-spirited individual throughout his career.

[4] Whilst living in Lusaka he was educated at Gilbert Rennie High School, which in his biography he later said had magnificent academic and sporting facilities.

His first Test wicket was Greg Chappell, caught by Derek Underwood, and then he trapped Ross Edwards in front next ball to be on a hat-trick.

He then took two catches to help hinder Northamptonshire's run chase, turning what earlier looked like a sizeable defeat into a draw.

[13] Edmonds went further with the bat later that season in a match for T N Pearce's XI against the touring West Indies cricket team, recording his first first-class century, 103 not out.

Whilst this could in part be attributed to playing form and the afore-mentioned competition for the spinner spot with his Middlesex teammate John Emburey, his confrontational and outspoken nature also meant that he did not always convey a good impression to the national selectors.

[18] After an on-field absence of five years, Edmonds played his final first-class match in June 1992, in a draw against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

He had been serving as a member of Middlesex' selection committee and volunteered to replace Phil Tufnell, who was recovering from an appendix operation.