Steven John Croft is a highly accomplished cricket player from England. Born on November 5, 1984, Croft has made a significant impact on the sport throughout his career. He is primarily known for his contributions to Lancashire County Cricket Club, where he has excelled in various formats of the game.
Croft’s defining moment came in 2011 during the final County Championship match against Somerset at Taunton. He played a crucial role in securing Lancashire’s first outright title in 77 years by hitting the winning runs on the fourth day. This remarkable achievement solidified his place in the county’s history and established him as a pivotal player for Lancashire.
In addition to his success in the County Championship, Croft has also made significant contributions to Lancashire’s one-day side. He captained the team during the Friends Life T20 finals day in 2011, leading them to victory and ending a 15-year run without success in limited-overs competitions. Croft took over the captaincy early in the season due to a back injury to skipper Tom Smith and led the team to another promotion season in the Championship.
Known for his versatility, Croft is a batsman/offspinner who can also bowl effective medium pace. While he has made his mark in all formats of the game, he has particularly excelled in T20 cricket. In fact, he holds the English record for consecutive T20 appearances and narrowly missed out on the world record when he missed a match due to injury in 2018.
Croft’s passion for cricket began during his time in Sri Lanka, where his father was working. He made his first-class debut for Lancashire in 2005 as one of the first graduates of the Lancashire Academy to be awarded a professional contract. He quickly established himself in the team and made rapid progress, especially in T20 cricket, where he hit a six off the last ball to secure victory in only his second appearance.
Throughout his career, Croft has consistently impressed with his batting prowess. He recorded his first one-day hundred against Somerset at Taunton, followed by two centuries in the Championship, including one on his home ground at Blackpool against Worcestershire. In 2012, he achieved his career-best score of 154 not out against Surrey at Guildford. Additionally, his offspin bowling has also yielded excellent results, with his career-best figures of 6 for 41 coming against Worcestershire at Old Trafford.
Despite Lancashire’s relegations in 2012 and 2014, Croft managed to maintain his reputation as a top performer. In the latter season, he showcased his skills with a career-best innings of 156 against Northamptonshire. His unwavering commitment and adaptability were recognized when he was appointed as captain after Smith’s long-term injury.
Croft’s dedication to the sport extends beyond his batting and bowling abilities. He even stepped in as a wicketkeeper during an injury crisis in 2016 when both Alex Davies and Jos Buttler were unavailable. This display of versatility further highlighted his commitment to the team’s success.
Steven Croft’s contribution to Lancashire County Cricket Club has been invaluable. His performances have marked him as a resilient and talented player, capable of delivering under pressure. As he continues to make strides in his career, his impact on the sport and his place in cricket history will undoubtedly endure.
