Jeff has stated some of his fastest spells include, a spell against the West Indies in Barbados during World Series Cricket, which he has stated he was unhappy during the series because the West Indies had their full team and strike bowlers and the Australia team was depleted because of the World Series Cricket series. And after several West Indian players had hit Australian batsman, he has been quoted saying he "Wanted to return the favour". He also mentions a spell against Victoria playing for Queensland at the Gabba in Brisbane, in which he took 7 wickets for the match. In the 1990s Thomson was the bowling coach for Queensland. In 1992, after a practice session bowling in the nets to several of the Queensland batsmen, including Allan Border, Thomson was encouraged to play for the team as, even at the age of 42, he was still faster than any of the Queensland bowlers. Only the youth policy of the team prevented him from rejoining the side to play competitively. Thomson came to the fore in 1974–75 with 33 wickets in the Ashes series. Helmets and the other modern protective items for batsmen were not available at the time, and there were no restrictions on the use of the bouncer. The success of the Australian cricket team with fast bowling prompted an era when pace bowling dominated the game, at the expense of slow bowling. According to Ian Healy: While he was known for his speed, his side-on and javelin-like approach also aids in keeping the ball hidden from the batsman for as long as possible, even as bowling speed decreases with age. Thomson enjoyed a rapid rise in the 1972–73 season. He made his first-class debut for New South Wales (NSW) in October 1972 against WA, replacing David Colley who was injured. He also took 5–97 for NSW Colts against Qld Colts. After playing five first class games and taking 17 wickets, Thomson was a surprise selection in for the second test against Pakistan. He replaced Bob Massie, who was picked in the first test side. It was felt Thomson's selection was an experimental one with a view to the West Indies tour at the end of the summer. "I will try my guts out," said Thomson. "I was just hoping that I might pick up some more wickets in the forthcoming matches against Victoria so that they might think of me for the West Indies." Against Pakistan at the MCG, Thomson returned match figures of 0/110. Later, he was diagnosed as having played with a broken bone in his foot, the pain from which he kept concealed from selectors and teammates.