England

Kim Barnett

Born: July 17, 1960, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Kim Barnett bio

Kim John Barnett, born in Stoke-on-Trent in 1960, is a former English cricket player who left an indelible mark on the sport. From a young age, Barnett displayed exceptional talent on the cricket field, catching the attention of many with his skills.

Barnett’s journey in cricket began when he represented Northamptonshire and Warwickshire 2nd XIs at the tender age of 15. In addition, he played for Staffordshire as a legspinner, often batting at No. 11. His potential did not go unnoticed, and he earned a place in the English Schools team that toured India in 1977-78, followed by a spot in the England Young Cricketers squad that traveled to Australia in 1978-79.

In 1979, Barnett made his debut for Derbyshire as a middle-order batsman, quickly establishing himself as a valuable player. By 1982, he earned the prestigious county cap, a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport. The following season, at just 22 years old, Barnett became Derbyshire’s youngest-ever captain, a role he held until 1995.

Barnett’s unorthodox playing style made him a distinctive figure on the cricket field. He adopted a unique stance, taking guard several inches outside the leg-stump, and had an exaggerated shuffle as the bowler delivered. Coupled with his thick mustache and shiny, bald head, Barnett stood out among his peers.

Known primarily as an opening batsman, Barnett had a remarkable ability to thrive on the often challenging Derby pitches. Throughout his career, he amassed over 26,000 runs in first-class cricket, including more than 50 centuries. His outstanding leadership helped Derbyshire clinch the Sunday League title in 1990 and the Benson and Hedges Cup in 1993.

Despite his achievements, Barnett’s career was not without its obstacles. In 1985-86, he was appointed vice-captain of England B for its tour of Sri Lanka but was forced to return home early due to a serious illness that caused him to lose two stone. Nevertheless, he persevered and continued to excel on the cricket field.

In 1988, Barnett’s outstanding performances during the English summer earned him a Test call-up. He made his Test debut at Lord’s against Sri Lanka, scoring an impressive 66 runs in his first innings. Shortly after, he made his one-day international debut against the same opposition, where he struck a brilliant 84 and claimed the Man-of-the-Match award. However, despite his initial success, Barnett was never selected again for international cricket.

During his career, Barnett also showcased his leg-spinning abilities, taking nearly 200 first-class wickets. In 1991, he achieved career-best figures of 6-28 against Glamorgan at Chesterfield. Although his fielding skills declined over time, he remained a reliable catcher throughout his thirties and forties.

Barnett’s journey took an unexpected turn when a feud erupted at Derbyshire, leading him to leave his county home of twenty years. In a surprising move, he joined Gloucestershire, where he continued to impress with his enthusiasm, work ethic, and fitness. Barnett’s eccentric batting style remained intact, and he played a crucial role in Gloucestershire’s success, forming solid opening stands with Tim Hancock and consistently finding the cover boundary.

Ultimately, Barnett retired from professional cricket at the end of 2002 when Gloucestershire did not offer him a contract. Despite his desire to continue playing, he transitioned to league cricket, never losing his appetite for the game. In April 2004, he made history by smashing nine successive sixes in the North Staffordshire/South Cheshire League.

Kim John Barnett’s contribution to English cricket cannot be understated. With his unique style, determination, and exceptional performances, he left an enduring legacy in the sport.

Kim Barnett career stats

Batting stats

Batting Matches Innings Nos Runs High score Ave BF SR 100s 50s 4s 6s Ct St
Tests 4 7 0 207 80 29.57 360 57.49 0 2 28 0 1 0
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs 1 1 0 84 84 84 146 57.53 0 1 0 0 0 0
FC 479 784 76 28593 239* 40.38 - - 61 153 - - 284 0
List A 525 500 54 15564 136 34.89 - - 17 92 - - 174 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bowling stats

Bowling Matches Innings Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10w
Tests 4 1 36 32 0 - - - 5.33 - 0 0 0
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs 1 - - - - - - - - - - - -
FC 479 - 14221 7108 188 6/28 - 37.8 2.99 75.6 - 3 0
List A 525 - 3770 2971 113 6/24 6/24 26.29 4.72 33.3 3 2 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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