Richard Cunningham

Born on 11th February 1970 in Kent, Richard Cunningham grew up in the charming lattice of English countryside, where his cricketing journey took root on the grass-strewn fields of local village greens. From a young age, he was drawn to the allure of the cricket ball, showing a fascinating gift for bowling, despite his slender physique. His early years saw him honing his craft in the Kent cricketing circuits, where his formidable right-hand-batting prowess and versatile bowling technique began to attract attention.

Cunningham's rise to professional cricket came when he made his first-class debut for Kent in the early 1990s. His entrance onto the big stage was nothing short of electrifying, showcasing his knack for executing the perfect outswinger and a talent for deceiving batsmen with sharp, intelligent variations. His career-defining moment arrived during the County Championship of 1995. Cunningham's extraordinary spell against the strong Yorkshire side witnessed him claiming 7 wickets for a mere 35 runs, thereby etching his name into the annals of cricketing lore.

One of Richard's iconic rivalries emerged during his many encounters with Lancashire's formidable line-up. Matches between Kent and Lancashire often turned into epic duels, with Cunningham's strategic mind and precise bowling technique frequently leaving the Lancashire batsmen bamboozled. Perhaps the most memorable of these was in the semi-final clash of the NatWest Trophy in 1998, where his tenacity and four-wicket haul led Kent to a thrilling victory.

Throughout his career, Cunningham's contributions weren't just limited to the domestic scene. He wore the English colours with pride during several tours, where his ability to adapt to different pitches and conditions made him an invaluable asset to the national team. His technique with the bat rarely stole the spotlight due to his primary role, but he was dependable lower down the order, often rescuing his team from precarious situations.

Though the tail end of Richard Cunningham's playing days saw him sidelined with injuries, he remained an influential figure in cricket by tutoring young bowlers in the nuances of swing and seam. His legacy lies not just in the records and trophies but in the enduring influence he imparted, inspiring a generation of cricketers to embrace the artistry and subtlety of bowling.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats