Biography

Attended Cambridge University and played cricket for a number of years for Lancashire and went on to become the England captain. He was accused of ball tampering in 1996 when he was seen on TV taking what appeared to be a piece of dirt from his pockets to rub on to the ball. He is now a commentator for the Channel 4 cricket programme, Today at the Test (2000).

Keen Manchester United supporter. His father was on United's books for a while in the 1960s, but injury forced him into retirement before he broke into the first team.

Made career-best 185 not out against South Africa at Johannesburg in 1995, batting for over eleven hours to force an unlikely draw. The innings was described by England Supremo Ray Illingworth as "the best I've ever seen."

Made his 100th Test appearance in 2000 in the third Test against West Indies on his home ground, Old Trafford.

Replaced Graham Gooch as England captain in 1993, after the Ashes Test series of that summer had been lost in the previous test at Headingley, Leeds. Went on to captain England in 52 consecutive test matches, a national record, during which time he was the only ever present player. Also acted as stand-in captain during the 2001 Ashes after an injury to Nasser Hussain.