David Daniel Masters, commonly known as David Masters or “Hod” due to his background as a builder, is a former English cricketer who had an impressive career as a seam bowler. Born in England, Masters made a name for himself through his consistent performances and skillful bowling.
Masters began his professional cricket career with Kent before moving to Leicestershire, where he spent four successful years. However, it was his move to Essex in 2008 that truly proved to be a turning point in his career. At the age of 33, Masters found his stride and became a vital member of the Essex team, leading their four-day attack with metronomic precision.
Throughout his career, Masters was known for his ability to exploit the slightest encouragement in the pitch. Although his lack of pace made him less effective in shorter formats of the game, he found great success in the traditional longer format. His consistency and reliability won him widespread admiration and respect from teammates and opponents alike.
In 2011, Masters had a standout performance against Leicestershire, one of his former counties, where he decimated their batting lineup and finished with remarkable figures of 8 for 10. This performance brought him into the spotlight and showcased his true potential.
Over his 16-season career, Masters claimed an impressive 672 first-class wickets at an average of 25.15. His total number of wickets across all formats amounted to an astonishing 940. These statistics, coupled with his longevity in the sport, solidified his reputation as a skilled and consistent performer.
Masters’ dedication to his craft went beyond the cricket field. During the winter months, he would work as a builder, finding satisfaction in carrying bricks and staying fit through physical labor rather than relying solely on gym sessions. This unique approach to maintaining his fitness further showcased his strong work ethic and commitment to his craft.
As Masters approached the latter stages of his career, concerns were raised about his fitness in 2014 when an injury prevented him from reaching the 50-wicket mark for the fifth consecutive season. However, he bounced back and secured another year’s contract with Essex, defying age expectations and continuing to contribute to the team.
With his retirement in sight, Masters stated that he had found his home at Essex and was grateful for the opportunity to play for the club. His final season was a memorable one, as Essex earned promotion and Masters bid farewell to the sport alongside his bowling partner, Graham Napier.
David Daniel Masters leaves behind a legacy as a dependable and skillful cricketer. His ability to consistently perform and his unwavering dedication to his craft have earned him a well-deserved place among the respected cricketers of his time.
