Chris Tavare

Happy 60th to cricket's most famous notorious blocker - Chris Tavare. England 1980-1989. Ashes winner 1981. One of the best extreme classical players in the game during his time. One of the hardest defensive batsman to dislodge. He could bat for an age without the scoreboard moving along. The height of obduracy. He famously closed up an end while Botham was on cloud nine during the 1981 Ashes when England were attempting to fight their way back in the series. A modern day mix of Azhar Ali and Nick Compton. Some of the innings he played in his career-

35 from 240 balls

9 from 82 balls

44 from 200+ balls

A reflection of his ability to grind it out for long periods and value his wicket at all costs.