Benny Alexander Cameron Howell, an exceptional cricket player hailing from England, has made a name for himself with his unique skills as both a bowler and a batter. Born in Bordeaux and educated at the prestigious Oratory School in Berkshire, Howell’s cricket journey has been one of resilience, adaptation, and continuous growth.
Howell began his career as an opening batter for Hampshire, where he honed his skills before making his debut in limited-overs cricket in 2010. Standing out immediately for his innovative bowling techniques borrowed from baseball pitchers, Howell quickly gained recognition as a mystery seamer, slower-ball specialist, and fast spinner. His ability to surprise and confuse batsmen with his unorthodox deliveries set him apart from the rest.
Despite a promising start, Howell was released by Hampshire at the end of the 2011 season. However, he did not let this setback deter him from his cricketing dreams. In 2012, Howell found a fresh start with Gloucestershire, where he proved his worth with outstanding performances. In his very first game, he scored a remarkable double-hundred against Surrey, earning him an immediate first-team debut. Throughout his debut season, he contributed nearly 600 runs with the bat and took 30 wickets.
Howell continued to make significant strides in his career, showcasing his versatility as a player. During his time with Gloucestershire, he scored a gritty maiden Championship hundred against Leicestershire and played a pivotal role in helping his team secure their first tournament trophy since 2004. In the 2016 Blast, he topped the wicket-takers’ chart with 24 dismissals, displaying his prowess in the shortest format of the game.
Recognizing his exceptional talents, Gloucestershire rewarded Howell with a three-year contract. Although he primarily became known as a T20 specialist, he demonstrated his capabilities across various formats, including an impressive 163 opening against Glamorgan in his first game of the 2017 season.
In addition to his domestic achievements, Howell ventured into the international cricketing arena. In 2016, he became the first English professional to sign up for the Bangladesh Premier League, which led to subsequent stints in the Big Bash League (BBL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Furthermore, Howell was a key member of Birmingham Phoenix in the inaugural edition of The Hundred, where he picked up 11 wickets, the second-highest in the tournament, and helped his team secure the runner-up position.
Despite his remarkable performances and consistent growth, an England call-up has remained elusive for Howell. His slower balls, while unique and effective, have been deemed too similar by selectors. Nonetheless, Howell continues to showcase his skills and passion for the sport, and in 2022, he rejoined Hampshire on a three-year contract, with hopes of further success.
Benny Alexander Cameron Howell’s cricketing journey is a story of determination, adaptability, and innovation. From his humble beginnings in Bordeaux to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world, Howell’s career exemplifies the power of perseverance and the rewards that come with it. As he continues to make his mark on the game, his achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers around the world.
