Final over
On the Spot
Date of Birth: 26/06/1983 Marital Status: Single Former Clubs: MCC, Somerset, Marshonaland Eagles.
The Last
Bat you bought/used? An M&H 654. I’m sponsored by them, they are made in Somerset. It’s quite evenly spread and has a nice wide profile. It’s not that thick – I don’t need one of those and I prefer to be more traditional. What’s on your playlist? It’s a tough one between Apple Music and Spotify. I have to go with Spotify – they have a playlist called Coffee and Chill that I’m really into at the moment. Five-wicket haul or century? I loved my last one against Durham this year, it was special. I went on to make 130 and Nick Gubbins, who I was batting with, also got his century. Injury? The current neck injury I have unfortunately – I have a prolapsed disk which is pretty bad. I once had a Gilmore’s groin when I was 19 and I’ve suffered three more after that. Trophy you won? Middlesex winning the title! Winning the Test series against India with England is one of the best I’ve had too, and I won the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in 2013 which was a great achievement.
The Jury’s Out
Tea or Coffee? If pushed, I’d say coffee but I like both. Beans on toast or pasta? Beans on Toast – pasta has far too many carbs! Caribbean with the missus or Magaluf with the lads? Neither, to be perfectly honest with you, but I’d probably choose the Caribbean. Red or white wine? Red – the Chocolate Block from South Africa is my favourite. 50-over, t20 or County Championship? Definitely the County Championship. I grew up watching both Test and one-day cricket, but I think Test cricket is the ultimate form of the game.
Time added on
Who did you support as a boy? I’ve always supported Arsenal, my grandfather Denis Compton played for them and when I realised he was a bit of a hero there I loved them even more. It’s just one of those things I’ve grown up with. Best coach you have ever played with? Neil Burns. He played for Leicestershire and Somerset and played a really influential part in my career, as did Brian Rose. The most nervous when next into bat? Anyone who has ever gone up to face Dale Steyn when he was revved up and going well – a scary place to be! Person to avoid after being dismissed Dawid Malan – because he’s hardly ever out. One rule you could change? I’d take away all DRS. I don’t think it works that well. I just feel it’s a bit inconclusive and I’d rather leave it in the hands of the umpires. Three words to describe yourself? Passionate, creative, determined Which TV pundit makes you cringe and which do you really listen to? Michael Vaughan – anything he says is with self-interest. My favourite pundit would be Rob Key, I love hearing what he has to say. Do you have any superstitions? I always drink half a cup of coffee when the openers are going out to bat. I drink it really slowly. Hobbies? I love building! And of course some golf – I have a handicap of seven. Who would you invite around to a dinner party? Donald Trump, David Nash, Piers Morgan and Kevin Pietersen.
And finally:
Worst dressed? Nick Gubbins – he tries his hardest to fulfil a posh stereotype of a west Londoner. Just be yourself kid! Worst banter? Me! I have a really bad habit of laughing at my own jokes when no one else does.