BACKGROUND

I was born in Manchester, England on 29th October 1974. At the age of 12 I moved to Sheffield, and with the help of my father I progressed my cricket career by playing for Sheffield Collergate

At the age of 14 I was selected to play for Yorkshire Schools, and when I was 15 I was fortunate enough to be selected to play for England Schools at Under 15 level I had some great times playing cricket at schools level, and my love of the game was only increased by those experiences.

After a couple of near misses at selection my ambition was finally achieved in South Africa on the 1999/2000 Tour. Making a debut at Test level is memorable enough for anyone, but I would have thought that few debutants batting for the first time at Test level would have been there with their side 4 wickets down, with only 2 runs on the board. This was the challenge I had always wanted. Playing for England against the world's best. The ultimate test. Fortunately I managed to hang around for a while and a recovery of sorts was made. That first session shaped that series, which South Africa went on to win 3 - 1

It has become a famous test match due to both Captains forfeiting an innings, making the game a one innings match. This had never been done before, and provided a positive end to what would otherwise have been a meaningless game.

Sadly I missed out on the next Test series against Zimbabwe at home due to injury, but I was delighted to be recalled for the West Indies series which brought me up against Walsh and Ambrose playing Test cricket in England for the last time.

The highlight of the series was the Headingley Test which has also become famous, as the entire game was finished in two days. Playing for England on my home ground was very special.

At the end of the summer I was once again proud to be selected for the winter tours where, having been tested by the world's best paceman, I am now to face the world's best spinners on their home grounds.