Michael Atherton - Biography & Images

Michael Andrew Atherton OBE – born 23 March 1968 – is 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 record 54 Test matches.

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”.

He had several famed bouts with bowlers including South Africa’s Allan Donald and Australia’s Glenn McGrath.

Following retirement he became a journalist and is a cricket commentator with Sky Sports, and chief cricket correspondent of The Times.

Images of Michael Atherton