Justin Cox: A True Manly Cricketer
Manly Warringah District Cricket Club | October 09, 2025
Justin Cox was an outstanding contributor to the Manly Cricket Club, known for his talent, versatility, and unwavering commitment. In many ways, "Coxy" was a victim of his own ability during his early years, as his all-round skill set made him an invaluable utility player across multiple roles.
Making his debut in the 2000/01 season, Coxy quickly became a captain’s dream — capable of batting anywhere from positions 1 to 7, delivering heavy medium-pace bowling, and serving as a highly reliable wicketkeeper. He truly was a man for all seasons.
One of his most memorable performances in these early years came in the 2002/03 season, when he scored 95 as part of a 158-run partnership for the third wicket with Chris Glassock. That stand still holds the 4th Grade record for the third wicket against Balmain.
For the better part of his first six seasons, he filled a variety of roles — the quintessential “Mr Fix-It” — contributing effectively without ever settling into a permanent position. However, it was as a first-grade opening batsman that Coxy eventually found his niche.
A pivotal moment in his career came during the 2005/06 3rd Grade semi-final at Graham’s Reserve. After Manly bowled out Easts on Day 1, the team had to bat for the final half-hour. When it was discovered that the regular opener had to leave early for a wedding and wouldn’t be available to bat, Coxy was asked to step in on short notice. He saw off a challenging final session and carried his bat into the next day, top scoring in tough conditions as the rest of the top order collapsed to a masterclass from former first-grade spinner Paul Sutherland, who took eight wickets. That performance showcased Coxy’s grit, temperament, and ability to perform under pressure.
The next season he would make his first-grade debut opening the batting and would later solidify his place at the top of the order.
He scored two centuries in a single season in 2008/09 and followed it up with another early the next season against a strong Sutherland attack — three first-grade hundreds in the space of just 20 matches. Despite eventually moving down the order due to the depth of Manly’s batting lineup, he still notched another first-grade century batting at No. 7 during the 2013/14 season.
Coxy was not only a talented cricketer but also a cherished clubman and popular teammate, always willing to play the role the team required. His career is a shining example to all lower-grade players with first-grade aspirations — proving that perseverance and patience do pay off.
He finished his remarkable Manly career with 4,867 runs (just shy of the coveted 5,000-run milestone), 76 wickets, 96 catches, and 3 stumpings — a testament to his longevity, versatility, and dedication to the club.
The art of captaincy with Kevin Roberts. Creating a scenario that challenges the mindset of players – click to unlock the full conversation.
