Craig Kieswetter, considered a hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman, made the decision to represent England over South Africa, following in the footsteps of previous players who faced the same choice. Born on November 28, 1987, Kieswetter joined Somerset at the young age of 18. It was here that he would make a name for himself.
After four years of honing his skills with Somerset, Kieswetter made his international debut for England in 2010, just over a week after qualifying to play for the national team. His impact was immediate, as he played a crucial role in England’s victory at the 2010 World Twenty20 and helped them rise in the one-day rankings.
However, Kieswetter’s form began to falter, and he was dropped from the squad after the India tour in January 2013. Despite a return to the squad at the 2014 World T20, he was unable to add to his international appearances. During the following English season, he suffered a devastating blow to his face during a match against Northants. The delivery from David Willey broke his nose and damaged his eye socket, leading to his retirement in June 2015 due to impaired vision and psychological trauma.
Before making his mark on the international stage, Kieswetter played for South Africa in the 2006 Under-19 World Cup. However, he later transferred to Millfield School and eventually made his debut for Somerset in April 2007, where he showcased his hard-hitting and attacking instincts. In the 2009 English season, which was his last before qualifying to play for England, he scored an impressive 1,242 runs at an average of 59.14 in the County Championship and nearly 50 in one-day matches.
Kieswetter’s impressive performances caught the attention of the selectors, leading to his selection for the Lions tour of UAE. Despite concerns about the number of South Africans in the side, he reaffirmed his commitment to England and rejected an offer to return to South Africa. His England debut came just a day after becoming eligible, and he marked the occasion with a remarkable innings of 81 against the senior side in Abu Dhabi.
Throughout his England career, Kieswetter’s batting prowess was evident, as he played pivotal knocks and contributed to the team’s success. However, his consistency waned over time, and he found himself being replaced by teammate Jos Buttler in both the T20 and ODI formats.
In his final season before retirement, Kieswetter displayed his skills with impressive performances, securing the No. 1 slot for Somerset. However, his injury setback and subsequent struggles led him to announce his retirement from cricket. Despite the challenges he faced, Kieswetter expressed gratitude for being able to earn a living playing the game he fell in love with as a child.
Craig Kieswetter’s cricketing journey, though cut short by unfortunate circumstances, is a testament to his talent and dedication. His hard-hitting batting style and commitment to England will be remembered by fans and cricket enthusiasts alike.
