From turning heads in county age-group cricket to smashing centuries in the IPL, Will Jacks has steadily established himself as one of England’s most exciting modern-day all-rounders. A product of the Surrey system, Jacks began his journey in cricket at the tender age of nine, progressing through every age-group level before earning national recognition.
A Dual Threat: Bat and Ball
A rare spin-bowling all-rounder in the contemporary game, Jacks offers a unique skillset. With a steady off-spin action and disciplined lines, he brings control with the ball — but it's with the bat that he truly explodes. Tall and lean, he uses his long levers to clear boundaries effortlessly, often switching gears with striking confidence.
Despite the perception of spin-bowling all-rounders as “bits-and-pieces” players, Jacks cemented his reputation early by becoming a core member of Surrey’s 2nd XI in 2017, even before his first-class debut. His miserly bowling and fearless power-hitting made him a standout performer at the age-group level and earned him admiration across counties.
A highlight of his youth career came when he captained England in the Youth Test against India, where he scored a commanding century — an early sign of his temperament and leadership ability.
Early Domestic Career
Jacks made his List A debut in May 2018 during the Royal London One-Day Cup, and while his first two games were quiet, he burst onto the scene with a stunning 121 against Gloucestershire. His first-class debut for Surrey followed soon after in June 2018, where he initially played as a specialist batter due to spin being underutilized on seamer-friendly tracks.
He made his T20 debut in the same year during the 2018 Vitality Blast, though with limited opportunities to make an impact. Nonetheless, his potential was obvious.
Later that year, he served as vice-captain to Harry Brook in the 2018 U-19 World Cup in New Zealand, scoring 193 runs at an average of 38.60 and taking 7 wickets in 6 games. Jacks even led the side in the 5th-place playoff, with Brook unavailable.
England Call-Up and Test Debut
While his reputation was building in white-ball cricket, Jacks' first break with the national team came in Test cricket. In December 2022, he was picked primarily for his off-spin for England’s Test series in Pakistan — a testament to the trust in his evolving bowling. Soon after, he received call-ups in both ODIs and T20Is for tours to Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Making a Mark in Franchise Cricket
Jacks' profile rose significantly in franchise cricket. In the 2024 IPL, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, he smashed a blistering century against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, firmly announcing himself on the biggest T20 stage.
He has also impressed in the SA20, Pakistan Super League (PSL), and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), showcasing his adaptability and aggressive batting across different conditions. His off-spin continues to be a useful secondary skill in these leagues.
While England have used him sparingly in their white-ball squads, Jacks remains very much in the mix as a multi-dimensional option in limited-overs cricket.
New Chapter with Mumbai Indians
In the 2025 IPL season, Jacks will don the blue of the Mumbai Indians, marking a fresh chapter in his burgeoning franchise career. With his ability to change the game with both bat and ball, he adds further firepower to an already star-studded lineup.
From leading England U-19s to thrilling IPL crowds, Will Jacks is building a career defined by versatility, intelligence, and power — a modern all-rounder primed for bigger challenges ahead.