Ben Roach

Born on a frosty day in January 1978, Ben Roach emerged from the quaint surroundings of Nottingham with a fire in his belly for cricket. He was a tall lad, always towering over his peers, which naturally gifted him with a formidable bowling prowess. As a boy, he spent countless afternoons on the green fields of his neighbourhood, honing his skills with an ambition that knew no bounds. It was clear from an early age that Ben was destined for greatness.

Ben's journey into professional cricket began with his debut for Nottinghamshire in 1996, a dream come true for the local lad who had idolised the county's legends since his boyhood. His ability to read batsmen and deliver an array of deceptive deliveries set him apart as a promising young bowler. The professional arena was no different, and he was soon impressing selectors with his ability to swing the ball both ways, a rarity that added a lethal edge to his already versatile bowling arsenal.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ben had more than his fair share of accolades. He spearheaded Nottinghamshire to multiple county championships, his contributions pivotal in many nail-biting encounters. His spirited rivalry with Surrey fast bowler, Freddie Jennings, was the stuff of legends, as the two often found themselves in intense battles. Perhaps the most memorable was the 2002 County Championship final—the match where Ben's full-length inswingers wreaked havoc, securing his team victory with a five-wicket haul in the final session.

While Ben's bowling took centre stage, his adaptable batting was no less significant. Often called upon to steady the ship or accelerate the tail-end of innings, his batting style was nothing short of a revelation. With a mix of dogged defence and unexpected flair, he became a crucial number eight batsman, turning the tides in several matches with his gritty performances.

A defining moment that encapsulated Ben's impact arrived during an England A vs. Rest of the World T20 match in 2005. With the outcome hanging by a thread, he delivered a spell ripe with pace and guile, clinching victory with a hat-trick that etched his name in cricketing folklore.

Ben Roach was not just a bowler; he was a tactician, a gentle giant who inspired a generation. As the years rolled by, his passion for the sport remained undimmed, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cricket.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats