Alec Stewart: Cricketer

His strength as an opening batsman, was compromised by the selectors’ desire for balance. He and Jack Russell swapped the wicket keeping gloves regularly throughout the 1990s, but Stewart eventually became the number one.

England Captain

He took over the England captaincy from Mike Atherton in 1998; and promptly led the side to its first major series win for 12 years, against South Africa. But Stewart’s leadership was based on pride and passion; and when England lost another Ashes series and flopped in the 1999 World Cup, he was harshly axed.

Making a Come Back

He hit top form again, during the 2000 one day triangular series. Then when he scorched a century in his 100th Test; the sheer length of the standing ovation he received showing he had become a national institution. Against India at Lord’s in 2002, he crowned his achievements; by becoming England’s most capped Test cricketer. Overtaking Graham Gooch’s record of 118 matches.

Despite calls for a younger wicket keeper to take his place, Alec Stewart continued to give his all for England. Until he called it a day from all forms of the game; after England’s drawn series with South Africa in 2003. Fittingly his final game was at The Oval, in which he scored 38. But more importantly to a man like Stewart, England won!

Alec Stewart In Retirement

Alec Stewart will go down as one of England’s greatest ever all-rounder’s; and he has been missed in the team since he retired. He is still involved in cricket, with his County of Surrey; and mixes his time with media work and after dinner speaking.