Steven Llewellyn Watkin, hailing from England, is a former professional cricket player who made his mark as a key member of Glamorgan’s seam attack. Born on October 10, 1962, in Swansea, Wales, Watkin dedicated more than a decade of his life to the sport, showcasing his skills on the field and becoming a household name in cricketing circles.
Watkin’s cricketing journey began in 1986 when he made his debut for Glamorgan. With his ten-to-two feet running approach and a unique action that involved both arms reaching towards the sky, Watkin quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His accuracy, ability to make the ball seam and bounce, and penchant for taking important wickets early in the order made him a valuable asset for his team.
In 1991, Watkin’s talent earned him a spot in the England squad for the Headingley Test against the formidable West Indies. This selection highlighted his suitability for specific conditions and emphasized the value of his contributions. During the match, he played a crucial role in England’s victory, setting the stage for a promising international career. However, despite this promising start, Watkin received only two more Test caps, limiting his opportunities to represent his country on the grandest stage.
Undeterred by the lack of Test appearances, Watkin continued to impress in county cricket. He was chosen for the 1993-94 tour to the Caribbean, where he participated in several one-day matches, displaying his skills in a different format of the game. Throughout his career, Watkin’s unique ability to excel on greentop pitches, where the conditions often favored seam bowlers, made him a lethal weapon in Glamorgan’s arsenal.
Although he initially formed part of Glamorgan’s notoriously inept tail during the late 1980s, Watkin demonstrated his versatility as a cricketer over the years. In 2000, he celebrated a personal milestone by notching up his maiden first-class fifty, proving that his abilities extended beyond his proficiency with the ball. The following year, after claiming his 900th wicket, Watkin made the difficult decision to retire from playing cricket professionally.
Retirement did not signify the end of Watkin’s involvement in the sport he loved. Shortly after hanging up his boots, he embraced a new role as the academy director for the Welsh Cricket Academy in 2001. This post allowed him to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of Welsh cricketers, nurturing and shaping their talents.
Steven Llewellyn Watkin’s contributions not only encapsulate his achievements as a player but also his dedication to the sport as a whole. His accuracy, seam movement, and ability to make quick breakthroughs cemented his place in the cricketing annals. Beyond his exploits on the field, Watkin’s commitment to developing young talent through his role in the Welsh Cricket Academy showcases his passion for the game and his desire to see it thrive in the future.
