Dream Team
The former Derbyshire wicketkeeper picks the best XI that he has played with or against
1. KIM BARNETT - Retired
He was a model pro, he would have survived in today’s climate of professionalism. I must have played with him for about ten or 12 years. He worked on his game tirelessly – he would always be in the nets and would still be an example of work ethic.
2. DEAN JONES - Retired
I haven’t really got another opening bat so you’re probably looking at Jones. If you wanted someone to play for your life then he is the guy. He was normally at three but would open in the one-dayers. Playing for Australia around 20 times, you can’t really say fairer than that.
3. JOHN MORRIS - Retired
He was a supreme batsman, he had all the ability in the world. I remember him getting a double-hundred facing up to Courtney Walsh at Cheltenham College. He was just amazing.
4. MOHAMMAD AZHARUDDIN - Retired
You have to have him in the team. He again got a couple of double hundreds with us, he was just sublime. He was an amazing talent but with an unusual technique. Lance Klusener said it was like bowling at a revolving door. He was fantastic to have in the team, everyone learned from him.
5. CHRIS ADAMS - Retired
He was a real leader, as he went on to show at Sussex when he did very well with them. He was a very good player at five, he could take games away from people, a fantastic striker of the ball. I played with Martin Crowe for one game but because of the time I spent with Chris then it has to be him.
6. DOMINIC CORK - Retired
As good an all-rounder as there has been in 20 years of county cricket. I think he often didn’t get enough credit for his batting, he was a good batter. He won the 1993 Benson and Hedges final for us with 93 not out I think, he was a very good, gritty batsman. But towards the end of his career he went more towards the bowling side.
7. KARL KRIKKEN - Retired
I never really played with another keeper so it’s the one place that would be really tricky for me. And you’ve got to play if it’s your side, haven’t you? The bowlers are difficult because I played with so many good ones but I’m going for a four-pronged seam attack which, with Cork, makes five. Barnett and Jones to bowl a bit of filthy spin when needed.
8. PHIL DEFREITAS - Retired
He could make the ball talk, could Phil. He was probably as talented with the wrist as anybody. We always really missed him when he went off for England duty. He was one of the last guys to make it to 1,000 first-class wickets and I think I caught it down the leg side at Trent Bridge. Usman Afzaal it was.
9. MICHAEL HOLDING - Retired
I spent my first couple of years on the staff with him and kept to him in the nets and warm-ups. He was coming towards the end of his career but he was still very, very good. I remember watching him bowl England out on telly in 1976 and I was fortunate enough to go on to keep to him. He was revered around the club.
10. IAN BISHOP - Retired
For a couple of years he was the quickest bowler in the world and just a joy to keep to. He got a bit of late swing away from the right hander – again, another pleasure to keep to.
11. DEVON MALCOLM - Retired
It’s some bowling attack and Malcolm, on his day, when the ball swung, was unplayable – like when he got that nine for 57 against South Africa. He was such a nice guy as well, a great guy to have in the team.