His father was a British businessman and his mother was from Belgium
While living in Lusaka, Edmonds was educated at Gilbert Rennie High School.
In his biography, Edmonds recounted that the school had magnificent academic and sporting facilities
He moved to England in 1966 and completed his secondary education at Cranbrook School in Kent before enrolling at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge as a student of land economy
Edmonds made his first-class debut for Cambridge University against Warwickshire on 24 April 1971. He opened the batting, making 10 and 3, and bowled without success as Warwickshire won by 109 runs.
However, Edmonds would not have to wait long for success
Edmonds made his debut for England in the Third Test of the 1975 Ashes series at Headingley. Defending a first innings of 288, England managed to dismiss Australia for 135, with Edmonds taking a stunning 5/28 on debut. 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
The match however had to be abandoned after vandals ruined the pitch, and the result was declared a draw
Since retiring from cricket, Edmonds has enjoyed a successful career in business, serving as chairman of Middlesex Holdings