On the Spot
Date of birth: 9/9/82
Marital status: Married
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right arm fast medium
The Last…
Bat you bought/used?
Kippax. I’m sponsored by them.
Song you downloaded?
It’s been a while, I don’t like spending my money as a rule. It’s probably something embarrassing, like Baby by Justin Bieber.
Five-wicket haul?
I took one for Durham against Kent, my final game for the club last summer and have got one this year against Notts as well.
Injury?
A back injury I picked up at Hove, back in April. It kept me out for five weeks or so. I’ve had problems with my back in the past.
Trophy won?
The One-Day Cup, five years ago with Durham. I didn’t actually play in the final against Warwickshire, I’d torn my side, but I played all the group games. I won three Championship titles there, which was great. The best one was the Ashes win in 2009.
The Jury’s Out
Tea or coffee?
I hate tea, can’t stand it.
Last meal if you were on death row?
Steak and chips. Go out with a bang. Medium rare.
50 over, T20 or County Championship?
County Championship, because of the art and skill needed to get wickets. As a player, you get a lot more satisfaction and feel you’re offering the team more as well.
Time added on…
Who did you support as a boy?
I was sport mad growing up, I’m a Newcastle United boy.
Best coach you have ever played with?
Geoff Cook at Durham. He was very relaxed, letting me learn and develop myself. He was more of a mentor for me than a coach. I also progressed a lot under Kevin Shine.
Who’s the most nervous when next into bat?
Trust me, no-one’s more nervous than me! I know what I’m doing when I bowl, but I struggle with nerves when it’s my turn to bat.
Person to avoid after being dismissed?
No-one particularly at Lancashire. Ben Stokes liked to have a go in the past, but it’s quite mellow here compared to when I started.
Hobbies?
I do a bit of DJ-ing on the side with some of my mates who are really into it. I do some boxing as well which is good for fitness and have recently been surfing in South Africa which was a great experience.
What one rule would you change?
Maybe four balls in an over. I’d keep going a bit longer if that changed!
Which TV pundit makes you cringe and who do you really listen to?
Ian Ward is really good at what he does. I’m more interested in what the players say. A lot of former players say what suits them after they finish.
Superstitions?
I used to have this fear that the ball would slip out of my hand. I would lick my fingers just before bowling to make it stick!
Hobbies?
Lots of golf. I’ve got a young family, so I spend a lot of time with them. I try to go to the football when I can.
And finally
Who is the worst dressed in the team?
Danny Lamb. Some of the things he wore in Dubai pre-season! We’re talking white jeans, white shirt – horrendous. I could never get away with that at 35.
