David Alan Lewis is a renowned cricket player hailing from Ireland. With an impressive career spanning over several years, Lewis has solidified his name as one of the most capped players in the history of Irish cricket. Born into a cricketing family, Lewis followed in the footsteps of his father, Ian Lewis, who was capped 20 times for Ireland.
Lewis made his debut for Ireland in a match against the West Indies in 1984. Unfortunately, his start wasn’t auspicious as he fell victim to a catch by the legendary Joel Garner, resulting in a duck. However, Lewis refused to let this setback define his career. Determined to prove himself, he showcased exceptional skill and resilience, earning him the captaincy for Ireland on an impressive 35 occasions.
Notably, Lewis led the Irish cricket team in the 1994 I.C.C. Trophy in Kenya, stepping in for the injured Stephen Warke. Unfortunately, injuries would affect his career as well, as an arm injury sustained against M.C.C. in 1996 forced him to miss the next eight matches. Despite this setback, Lewis’s accomplishments on the cricket pitch are undeniable.
Recognized for his batting prowess, Lewis ranks as the third highest aggregate scorer for Ireland. His ability to build innings and contribute significant runs has consistently proved invaluable to the team. While his bowling may be considered more occasional, Lewis possesses the skill to take crucial wickets and break partnerships when needed.
Beyond his cricketing achievements, Lewis’s sporting abilities extend beyond the boundary lines. Despite an early end to his rugby career due to injury, he pivoted to refereeing with great success. Now a member of the Irish International Referee’s panel, Lewis has officiated at the international level, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of various sports.
As a testament to his talent and dedication, Lewis has been recognized with awards in the cricketing world. He has won both the Gold Award in the Benson & Hedges Cup and the prestigious Man of the Match award in the NatWest Trophy, making him the only Irish player to achieve this double.
Looking ahead, Lewis faces a potential dilemma between his two passions—cricket and rugby refereeing. With rugby increasingly becoming a year-round sport and top referees in high demand, he may soon have to make a difficult decision. Regardless, Lewis’s impact on Irish cricket and his versatile sporting abilities will continue to serve as inspiration for aspiring cricketers and athletes alike.
