David Mark Ward, hailing from Surrey, England, is known for his explosive batting and his contribution to the sport of cricket. Born and raised in Surrey, Ward made an immediate impact when he made his first-class debut for the county against Derbyshire in 1985, smashing an impressive 143 runs.
Despite his strong debut, it took Ward some time to establish himself in the Surrey side. However, in 1990, he had a breakthrough season, scoring over 2000 runs and showcasing his batting prowess. Unfortunately, lean seasons followed in 1992 and 1993, leading to Ward struggling to secure a regular spot in the first-team.
Ward’s true strength lied in the one-day game, where his powerful hitting and ability to score runs quickly made him a valuable asset to the team. He even took on the duties of wicketkeeping on occasions when Alec Stewart was absent. In 1994, he achieved his career-best innings of 294 not out, falling agonizingly short of a triple century due to a declaration.
As his opportunities in the first-team became limited, Ward made the decision to retire in 1996 after making only two appearances that summer. However, his love for the game persisted, and he continued playing cricket for Hertfordshire, representing the county as their captain. In his 12-year career for Hertfordshire, Ward amassed a remarkable 6317 runs at an average of 53.53.
Notably, in 2002, Ward made a remarkable comeback for Surrey. Faced with a shortage of players for a Sunday League match against Northants at Whitgift School, where Ward was the cricket coach, he was persuaded to play. Despite being 41 years old at the time, Ward opened the innings and smashed a blistering 78 runs off just 52 balls, reminding everyone of his incredible talent.
Throughout his career, Ward was not only known for his exceptional cricketing skills but also for his amiable personality. He was a beloved figure at The Oval, always willing to mentor and coach young players, as well as engage in friendly conversations with members. His dedication to cricket extended beyond his playing days, as he remained heavily involved in the sport as a coach and also played for Old Whitgiftians.
David Ward’s legacy in cricket goes beyond his impressive statistics and memorable innings. He is remembered as a passionate and encouraging mentor to young players, always ready to impart his knowledge and experience. His contributions to the sport as both a player and coach have left an indelible mark on the cricketing community.