Michael William Gatting

Cricketer, born in Kingsbury, NW Greater London, UK. He made his mark as a forceful batsman with Middlesex, becoming captain in 1983. England captain in 23 Tests (1986–8), he was involved in a dispute with a Pakistan umpire during the 1987–8 tour, and lost the captaincy in 1988. He led a ‘rebel’ tour in South Africa in 1989–90, for which he received a 3-year Test ban, but returned to Test cricket in 1992. After playing in 79 Tests, scoring 10 centuries and 4409 runs (average 35·55), he announced his retirement in 1998. His books include Limited Overs (1986) and Leading from the Front (1988).

Another mishap for which Gatting will be remembered is being caught by Australian wicketkeeper Greg Dyer after trying to play a reverse sweep off opposing captain Allan Border's first ball during the 1987 World Cup final.

Career record	First-class	List A
Matches	551	551
Runs scored	36,549	14,476
Batting average	49.52	33.74
100s/50s	94/181	12/87
Top score	258	143*
Balls bowled	10,061	6,234
Wickets	158	175
Bowling average	29.76	27.52
5 wickets in innings	2	1
10 wickets in match	0	N/A
Best Bowling	5/34	6/26
Catches/Stumpings	493/0	177/0
As of 29 June 2005 Source: Edit this template

Gatting was a useful right arm medium pace bowler.