Michael Atherton

Michael Atherton

OBE

Personal information
Full name	Michael Andrew Atherton
Born	(1968-03-23) 23 March 1968 (age 56) Failsworth, Lancashire, England
Nickname	Athers, Cockroach, Dready, Iron Mike, FEC, Long Handle
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Batting	Right-handed
Bowling	Right arm leg break
Role	Opening batsman
Relations	Josh de Caires (son)
Website	http://www.mikeatherton.co.uk/
International information
National side	England (1989–2001)
Test debut (cap 538)	10 August 1989 v Australia
Last Test	27 August 2001 v Australia
ODI debut (cap 108)	18 July 1990 v India
Last ODI	20 August 1998 v Sri Lanka
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1987–1989	Cambridge University
1987–2001	Lancashire
Career statistics
Competition Test ODI FC LA Matches 115 54 336 287 Runs scored 7,728 1,791 21,929 9,343 Batting average 37.69 35.11 40.83 36.49 100s/50s 16/46 2/12 54/107 14/59 Top score 185* 127 268* 127 Balls bowled 408 – 8,981 812 Wickets 2 – 108 24 Bowling average 151.00 – 43.82 29.62 5 wickets in innings 0 – 3 0 10 wickets in match 0 – 0 0 Best bowling 1/20 – 6/78 4/42 Catches/stumpings 83/– 15/– 268/– 111/–
Source: CricketArchive, 1 September 2007

Michael Andrew Atherton OBE (born 23 March 1968)^[1] is a broadcaster, journalist and a former England international cricketer. A right-handed opening batsman for Lancashire and England, and occasional leg-break bowler, he achieved the captaincy of England at the age of 25 and led the side in a then record 54 Test matches.^[2] Known for his stubborn resistance during an era of hostile fast bowling, Atherton was described in 2001 as a determined defensive opener who made "batting look like trench warfare".^[3] He had several famed bouts with bowlers including South Africa's Allan Donald^[4] and Australia's Glenn McGrath.^[5] Atherton often played the anchor role at a time when England batting performances lacked consistency.^[3]

His playing career included controversy, including ball tampering, and several brushes with the media with whom, by Atherton's own admission, he did not have a good understanding when he was a player.^[3] Often hampered by a chronic back complaint which was to contribute to the end of his career, Atherton was considered a leading England batsman during the 1990s. Following retirement he became a journalist and is a cricket commentator with Sky Sports, and chief cricket correspondent of The Times.