Michael Atherton , the current 33 year old opening batsman for
England, captained the side in a record 52 tests, and averaged about 33.5 in tests over his career. This man truly has an
astonishing temperement, battling for
10 hours against the best bowlers in the world in South African high summer to score 185 not out and save the match. A
quiet and
determined man, he plays very straight and
orthodox shots, occasionally showing
flair in his
flowing drives, and only when his
concentration slips does he show signs of weakness. Sadly, this
excellent batsman may well retire at the end of this summer- his back is well and
truly buggered . He's had a
love/hate relationship with the press- more than is normal, even. Should this strong solid batsman and super-sharp slip fielder leave, it would be much to England's loss.
Like they can afford it.
Update 1.4.02 And here's some content, too;
Born: 23 March 1968, Failsworth, Manchester, Lancashire
Major Teams: Cambridge University, Lancashire, England.
Known As: Mike Atherton
Pronounced: Mike Atherton
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Leg Break
Test Debut: England v Australia at Nottingham, 5th Test, 1989
Latest Test: England v Australia at The Oval, 5th Test, 2001
ODI Debut: England v India at Leeds, Texaco Trophy, 1990
Latest ODI: England v Sri Lanka at Lord's, Emirates Triangular Tournament, 1998
First-Class Debut: 1987
Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1991
Career Statistics:
TESTS
(including 23/08/2001)
M I NO Runs HS Ave SR 100 50 Ct St
Batting & Fielding 115 212 7 7728 185* 37.69 37.31 16 46 83 0
O M R W Ave BBI 5 10 SR Econ
Bowling 68 12 302 2 151.00 1-20 0 0 204.0 4.44
ONE-DAY INTERNATIONALS
(including 20/08/1998)
M I NO Runs HS Ave SR 100 50 Ct St
Batting & Fielding 54 54 3 1791 127 35.11 58.64 2 12 15 0
O M R W Ave BBI 4w 5w SR Econ
Bowling - - - - - - - - - -
FIRST-CLASS
(1987 - 2001)
M I NO Runs HS Ave 100 50 Ct St
Batting & Fielding 336 584 47 21929 268* 40.83 54 107 268 0
O M R W Ave BBI 5 10 SR Econ
Bowling 1496.5 288 4733 108 43.82 6-78 3 0 83.1 3.16
LIST A LIMITED OVERS
(1987 - 2001)
M I NO Runs HS Ave 100 50 Ct St
Batting & Fielding 287 279 23 9343 127 36.49 14 59 111 0
O R W Ave BBI 4w 5w SR Econ
Bowling 135.2 711 24 29.62 4-42 1 0 33.8 5.25
All stats from www.cricket.org