David Andrew Griffiths is an English cricketer who is known for his talents as a pace bowler. Born on September 1, 1985, he has had a career filled with both triumphs and setbacks, with injuries often hindering his progress.
Griffiths began his cricketing journey at Hampshire’s Academy, where his potential was recognized and he gained England U-19 honours. In 2005, he was awarded a one-year deal with Hampshire, but his debut season was marred by a stress fracture of the back, causing him to miss the entire summer.
It wasn’t until 2009 that Griffiths was able to consistently feature in Hampshire’s 1st XI. One of the highlights of that season was his performance against Gloucestershire in a NatWest Pro40 match, where he took impressive figures of 4 for 29, helping his team secure a three-wicket victory at the Rose Bowl.
Throughout his career, Griffiths struggled with a recurring pattern of injuries. Despite these setbacks, he managed to make notable contributions when given the opportunity. In 2012, during the Clydesdale Bank 40 Final at Lord’s, he dismissed the renowned England batsman, Ian Bell, on 81 runs, ultimately playing a significant role in Hampshire’s victory.
In 2013, Hampshire released Griffiths due to his persistent injuries, leaving both parties frustrated and regretful. He then joined Kent, where he expressed hopes of bringing pace and flair to their bowling attack. However, his time at Kent was plagued by further injuries, severely limiting his appearances for the team.
After a tricep injury in the pre-season and a back operation in mid-season in 2015, Griffiths’ determination to reward Kent’s loyalty remained unwavering. He showed glimpses of his form in regular appearances for their NatWest T20 Blast side in 2016. Unfortunately, at the end of the season, he left the county, ending his tenure with Kent.
Throughout his 12-year career, Griffiths achieved 100 appearances in all formats, a testament to his perseverance amidst a string of injuries. His journey in professional cricket was undoubtedly one of the most challenging and painful on the county circuit.
Griffiths may not have had the opportunity to fulfill his true potential due to his injury troubles. However, his moments of brilliance, such as his career-best figures of 6 for 63 against Gloucestershire, showcased his skill and highlighted the impact he could have had if injuries had not plagued him.
Despite his departure from Kent, Griffiths remains a talented bowler with immense potential. With the right opportunity and a stroke of good fortune, he has the ability to make a lasting impact in the world of cricket.
