MY DREAM XI
Welcome to our expanded, illustrated presentation with statistical summaries of the selected players
1. Michael Di Venuto
When he came to Durham there was a bit of a reputation for the wicket not being great, but he rolled his sleeves up and got stuck in. Against the new ball he went in and really set the standard for the lads to follow – he hit good balls for four, and that was intimidating for the bowlers. He cut and pulled balls off lengths that put the opposition on the back foot.
2. Mark Stoneman
He simply scored a lot of runs. He was a bit of a baby Di Venuto actually and he modelled himself slightly on Diva. He’s been very consistent over the last few years, and he’s not had the recognition he deserves.
3. Mike Hussey
He was massive in turning Durham’s fortunes around – he came in and captained the side in 2005. Along with Dale Benkenstein and a few others, he really changed the mindset of the lads. He got us promoted and he was a real driving force, and his attitude was terrific – he’s also probably the best pure batter I’ve ever played with.
4. Dale Benkenstein
I’d make him vice-captain to Hussey. He got everything out of his ability, even when the going was tough, and he managed to get us over the line on so many occasions. He was a father figure for a lot of the lads and looked after everyone – he’s probably Durham’s most influential player.
5. Ben Stokes
I think he’s going to go on to become one of the best all-rounders of all-time, so hopefully this selection speaks for itself! He’s a match-winner, he can turn the game in a single ball, and is superb in the field too.
6. Ian Blackwell
A left-arm spinner who always kept it tight, and he was a hard-hitting batsman. I reckon he was the best ball shiner ever in county cricket as well – he always worked so hard on the ball.
7. Phil Mustard
He’s a match-winner in one-day cricket and four-day cricket and always a good laugh on the field. He keeps everyone entertained with some interesting ideas from time to time but he is a fantastic wicketkeeper.
8. Ottis Gibson
He had his later years with Durham, but he was brilliant in those last couple of seasons with the county. He had a ninefer, turned games on their head and was a fierce competitor. He always wanted to win, and what you saw was what you got with him – he told you how things were, which I thought was good.
9. Graham Onions
He was unlucky with injuries but he’s so good when he’s on the field, fit and firing. He’s always there or thereabouts, and skiddy quick. He always goes for the stumps and gives the batsman plenty to think about.
10. Shoaib Akhtar
He’s the fastest bowler I’ve ever seen – it was frightening. I was pleased I was stood at slip and not 22 yards away from him! We were back on the 30-yard circle and I only ever had one chance off him – it hit me in the chest and ballooned up to second slip, who took a simple catch.
11. Steve Harmison
He was always a reluctant batter but he definitely had more talent with the bat than he let on. And obviously his bowling speaks for itself – he was instrumental in winning Durham’s first couple of County Championships.