Mike Atherton

Michael Andrew Atherton OBE (born 23 March 1968) is a broadcaster, journalist and retired England international cricketer. A right-handed opening batsman for Lancashire and England, and occasional leg-break bowler, he achieved the captaincy of England at the age of 25 and led the side in a record 54 Test matches. He often played the anchor role at a time when England batting performances lacked consistency and the side’s overseas results were mediocre. His playing career included some controversy and was cut short by an increasingly painful back disorder.