Final over
On the Spot
Date of Birth: 01/11/1985 Marital Status: Single - girlfriend, Beth
The Last
Bat you bought/used? I’ve not bought one since I was 13 or 14 – a Brian Lara 375 to celebrate his then-Test best. I’ve been lucky enough to be given a lot of others. Five-wicket haul or century? A five-wicket haul, obviously, at Warwickshire for Middlesex. I’d done poorly at Edgbaston the previous year, and I was outspoken about how Jeetan Patel (Warwickshire spinner) has it easy because of the footmarks, so I had to put my money where my mouth is. Injury? I was unscathed last season, thankfully, but the one before that I had a bit of a groin strain. Luckily it was right towards the end of the season so I had time to recover. Trophy you won? We’re the current county champions which is an amazing feeling. I moved to Lord’s to get things going, and while we won Division Two in 2011 I had a bigger role to play this time around which was fantastic, especially getting over the Yorkshire dominance!
The Jury’s Out
Tea or Coffee? I like to think coffee gives me a boost in the mornings, but in reality I don’t think it does! I still drink it anyway – it’s a bit of a placebo effect! Caribbean with the missus or Magaluf with the lads? I always love going to the Caribbean with Beth, we’ve done it a couple of times now. The lads know I’m a big softie as well. Red or white wine? Without hesitation it has to be red. It tastes better and I have lots of love for steak! 50-over, t20 or County Championship? I think the County Championships suits me more as a spinner. I broke through as a one-day player like most do, but the Championship is where I solidified my place.
Time added on
Who did you support as a boy? Dad was a massive Brighton football fan. We went to the last game at the Withdean Stadium, or at least tried to without a ticket, but we didn’t fancy getting arrested trying to go over the wall. Best coach you have ever played with? Richard Johnson was very pivotal in changing my action four years ago. He’s got me to where I am today. The most nervous when next into bat? Me! I’m terrible, I’m okay when I’m out there, but I have to sit in the corner. I used to watch every ball but then I’d have to change my gloves about four times! One rule you could change? I’m talking about this constantly – the reverse sweep should be banned. It’s hard enough controlling one side of the wicket, and you just about have control then they switch. It’s not fair! Three words to describe yourself? Big, positive, gentle Which TV pundit makes you cringe and which do you really listen to? ‘Bumble’ is always funny; Rob Key and Nasser Hussain have great knowledge. I’m not always keen on Charles Colvile, he’s quite provocative on county cricket! Any superstitions? If you ever wonder why I’m late out to bat, it’s because I’ve gone to the toilet! I always go before I’m next in – you never know if you’re going to be in the middle for a long time and you can’t take any chances! Hobbies? I play Xbox a lot, which is quite sad at 31. I’m sat at home playing Halo against 12-year-olds all the time! I love football as well, the prematch warm-up is great and sometimes the most passionate moment of a day! Dinner party? Donald Trump – to ask him some questions – Lee Mack, Micky Flanagan, Isla Fisher, Chris Gayle
And finally:
Worst dressed? Steven Finn tries too hard. He wants the colours right and all the latest fashions, that’s not my type of stuff.