Richard James Gleeson, an English cricket player, has made a name for himself with his impressive skills and perseverance in the sport. Despite starting his professional career relatively late, Gleeson quickly rose through the ranks and established himself as a formidable force on the cricket field.
Born and raised in England, Gleeson made his debut in international cricket at the age of 34, a testament to his determination and hard work. In his very first match, he showcased his talent by dismissing renowned Indian batsmen Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant within his first eight balls. This remarkable feat instantly caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts and catapulted Gleeson into the limelight.
Gleeson’s journey in professional cricket began at the age of 27, when he made his first appearance as a trialist for Northamptonshire. Although he encountered setbacks, including injuries that almost made him abandon the game, Gleeson persevered and proved his worth as an integral member of Northamptonshire’s NatWest T20 Blast side in 2016. His aggressive and economical bowling, coupled with his mastery of the yorker under pressure, played a significant role in guiding his team to Finals Day, where they emerged victorious.
Impressed by his outstanding performance, Rangpur Riders signed Gleeson for the 2016 Bangladesh Premier League. Following this successful stint, Gleeson was rewarded with a three-year contract at Northamptonshire, marking a turning point in his career. His coach, David Ripley, even expressed his belief that Gleeson deserved a Twenty20 debut for England, showcasing the high regard in which he was held.
After the completion of his three-year contract, Gleeson’s talent attracted interest from several higher-spending counties. Despite returning to Lancashire before the end of the 2018 season, saving the team from relegation proved to be a challenging task. Nevertheless, Gleeson left Northamptonshire with an impressive performance, achieving his best innings and match figures in first-class cricket against Kent.
Gleeson’s exceptional skills did not go unnoticed, leading to numerous franchise opportunities. He played in the Abu Dhabi T10 and represented the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash. Additionally, he received call-ups to the England Lions squad for their tour to Australia in 2020, further solidifying his reputation as a talented cricket player.
However, Gleeson faced setbacks in the form of stress fractures in his back, which posed a threat to his professional future. Nevertheless, he remained resilient, pushing through the challenges and making a strong comeback. In 2022, Lancashire signed him on a T20-only contract, allowing him to balance his training with teaching commitments at Myerscough College in Preston.
Gleeson’s hard work paid off when he started the Blast tournament brilliantly, earning him a call-up to the England national team. He continued to impress, ultimately contributing to England’s triumph in the T20 World Cup in Australia the following winter.
Richard James Gleeson’s journey is a testament to his unwavering determination, talent, and resilience. As he continues to make strides in his cricket career, he undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him, solidifying his place as one of England’s most promising cricket players.
