Mark Harold Alan Footitt is a renowned left-arm quick cricket player from England. Known for his Test pretensions, Footitt has had a career that has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Despite not achieving his dream of playing for England, Footitt’s dedication and talent have made him a respected name in the world of cricket.
Born in the East Midlands of England, Footitt began his cricket journey in the Nottinghamshire academy. There, he showcased his ability to bowl at rapid speeds, albeit sometimes erratically. In 2005, he made his first-class debut for Nottinghamshire, impressing with figures of 4 for 45 against Glamorgan. Unfortunately, injuries plagued him during his time with the county, and he was eventually released from his contract at Trent Bridge in 2009.
Undeterred by his setback, Footitt found a new opportunity with Derbyshire in 2010. Although he initially found only moderate success, a late-season injury to Mark Turner opened the door for him to showcase his talents. He made the most of the opportunity, finishing the season with 15 wickets in four first-class matches. Footitt’s performances continued to improve, and the following season proved to be a turning point in his career.
In 2013, Derbyshire regained a place in Division One, providing Footitt with the chance to test his skills against top-tier opposition. He rose to the challenge, becoming one of the standout players for the team. He ended the season with 42 first-class wickets, including a career-best 6 for 53 against Durham. Footitt’s achievements caught the attention of the England selectors, and he was called up to the England Performance Programme soon after.
The year 2014 marked a breakthrough season for Footitt. With an outstanding performance, he claimed 84 first-class wickets at an impressive average of 19.19. In the Championship, he took a staggering 82 wickets, the highest in Division Two and the best return by a Derbyshire bowler since 1984. His remarkable tally of 106 dismissals in all competitions was also the highest by a Derbyshire bowler since 1965. These accomplishments earned Footitt a spot in the England Performance Programme and a chance to train with the full England squad ahead of the Ashes series in 2015.
Although Footitt didn’t make his international debut during his time with England, he continued to strive for success. In search of better opportunities, he made the move to Surrey in 2016, hoping to prove his worth against First Division batsmen on better surfaces. However, homesickness soon struck, and he realized that family should come first. Midway through the 2017 season, he convinced Surrey to release him, and Nottinghamshire wasted no time in securing his services.
At the age of 31, Footitt knew that his chances of playing for England were diminishing, but he remained hopeful. His passion for the game was fueled by the desire to achieve his dream, balanced with the understanding that family should be his priority. Footitt’s talent and dedication have made him a respected figure in county cricket, and he continues to be an asset for Nottinghamshire.
Mark Harold Alan Footitt’s career is a testament to the ups and downs that every athlete faces. Despite the disappointment of not playing for England, Footitt’s talent, determination, and commitment to his family have made him a role model on and off the field. His accomplishments will be remembered in the annals of cricket history, and his legacy will continue to inspire young cricketers for years to come.
