For two great decades Mike Gatting, with his big beard and proud strutting gait, was a real and regular force within the English professional cricket team. Mike was a fine stroke player with plenty of power, often smashing the ball though extra cover — his favoured shot — for both club and country. He was also a great man to have in when facing spin and would often scare the spin bowlers away with his no fear playing approach. Despite his unlikely appearance, Mike was a natural choice to play for England and his oak-tree like forearms are part of the reason why.
A real point scorer who first joined up with England on tour as just a twenty year old in 1977-78, he didn’t hit his first century for a further 54 matches. Until that came he played in every position in the batting line up and finally knocked a great 136 in India, showing real guts and skill to battle hard through a tough innings. The press watching were won over and a true star was born. Mike went on to become captain of his side a year later and eventually was awarded an OBE for his services to cricket. He went on to win the Ashes but eventually lost his place in the side after a set to with a referee. Nevertheless, Mike Gatting will forever remain one of the greats of the English game thanks to his ability with the bat and dedication to the cause.
Other celebrities you might like to book for your event
Danielle Wyatt
Ronnie Irani
Ian Bell
Ajmal Shahzad
Joe Root
Sarfraz Ahmed
Mohammad Amir
Henry Olonga
Stuart Broad
Phil Tufnell
Jos Buttler
Muttiah MuralitharanBrowse more by category: Cricket
More celebrities to consider: Ebony-Jewel Rainford-Brent · Hire Andrew Strauss · Simon Hughes booking agent · Book Gordon Greenidge for events · Sir Garfield Sobers – fees & availability · Marcus Trescothick · Hire Brian Lara · Michael Vaughan booking agent · Book Henry Blofeld for events · Ian Botham – fees & availability · Graham Gooch · Hire Geoffrey Boycott · Allan Lamb booking agent · Book Mark Ramprakash for events · Alex Hartley – fees & availability · Ben Stokes · Hire Chris Cowdrey · Steve Harmison booking agent