Ian ‘Beefy’ Botham – of course we can’t not mention ‘Beefy’ Botham! In the 1980’s, the English sports scene was dominated by this larger than life character! Never a dull moment on or off the pitch, Ian Botham led England to victory in the Ashes, before having some personal problems – his ever enduring optimism and his heavy involvement with charity work has made him a real national treasure.
Marcus Trescothick – Like Ian Botham, played for Somerset before playing for England – they must put something in the water there! He is a skilled batsman, scoring the second highest amount of runs in 2005 Ashes series, helping England to victory. He suffered from anxiety attacks and has since opened up about the importance of mental health. If you and your partner both enjoy cricket, obviously the Countyground Taunton is your wedding venue in Taunton – as unforgettable a day as the Ashes win of 2005!
Kevin Pieterson – Not just a pretty face, Pieterson shot to hero status in 2005 after scoring the highest number of runs in the Ashes and bringing the Ashes home after 18 years of them being in Australia! He played for Hampshire for four years to qualify him to play for England (he is from South Africa, but has an English mother, so had to play the four years at an English club to qualify at an international level) – and was put on the England team almost immediately!
Jack Russell – Real name Robert Charles Russell, another real cricketing character. A real eccentric, one of the greatest ever wicket keepers – and a very talented artist! Jack Russell was a real entertainer to watch in the game! Born in Stroud, he played for Gloucestershire and England, until retiring at 40 and pursuing his art. Sporting his old sunhat and drinking his much adored cups of tea, Jack Russell really is the quintessential English cricketer!
Matthew Hoggard – Energetic Yorkshireman Hoggard, is probably one of the best bowlers that the England cricket team has ever had. He took 16 wickets in the 2005 Ashes tournament – indeed Johnathan Agnew, BBC cricket correspondent – describes him as ‘the bowler I would like to have been’!