OTD | England’s Former Batter Mark Butcher Was Born in 1972

On this day in 1972, England’s former Test cricketer Mark Butcher was born in Croydon, Surrey. The son of Alan Butcher, a former England Test player, Mark was destined to make his mark in the world of cricket. 

His mother and his strong cricketing lineage played a significant role in shaping his career. Adding to his cricketing connections, Mark was married to Judy Stewart, making him the son-in-law of Mickey Stewart and the brother-in-law of his England teammate, Alec Stewart.

Butcher’s entry into Test cricket came in 1997 when he made his debut against Australia in the first Test of that year’s Ashes series. His Test career spanned until 2004, with his last appearance being against South Africa. Over these years, Butcher established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman for England.

One of Butcher’s most memorable performances came during the 2001 Ashes series, particularly in the fourth Test at Headingley. In what would become one of England’s most celebrated run-chases, Butcher played a pivotal role. Australia, having put up a formidable 447 in their first innings, appeared to have the upper hand when England could only muster 309 in response. Australia then declared at 176 for 4, setting England a daunting target of 315 to win.

Butcher, coming in at No. 3, anchored the chase with remarkable poise and determination. He forged a crucial 181-run partnership with then-captain Nasser Hussain for the third wicket, followed by a 75-run stand with Mark Ramprakash. His unbeaten 173 guided England to a six-wicket victory, making it the second-highest successful run chase in England’s Test history.

Career Record and details

Throughout his Test career, Butcher played 71 matches, amassing 4,288 runs at an average of 34.58, including eight centuries. His contributions extended beyond the international stage as he enjoyed a prolific first-class career, scoring 17,870 runs at an impressive average of 40.70, with a career-best score of 259. He was also a handy medium-pace bowler early in his career, taking 125 first-class wickets at an average of 33.89 before knee injuries curtailed his bowling.

While Butcher’s talents in one-day cricket were evident, with an average of 31.85 in the format, he never donned the England cap in ODIs. Nevertheless, his legacy in English cricket remains significant, especially his unforgettable innings during the 2001 Ashes, which continues to be celebrated by cricket enthusiasts around the world.

Also read: Jonathan Trott scored a century on his Test debut against Australia in 2009