Sporting legends : Mike Gatting: The Gritty Englishman with a Fighting Spirit - Career HLs , video

 

Mike Gatting: The Gritty Englishman with a Fighting Spirit

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Introduction & Style of Play

Michael William Gatting, born on June 6, 1957, in Kingsbury, Middlesex, England, was a tough, stocky right-handed batsman known for his resilience, strong wrists, and determined presence at the crease. While not always the most elegant, Gatting was admired for his gritty approach and ability to withstand challenging bowling attacks. He was especially adept at playing spin, using nimble footwork and sharp reading of the bowler’s intentions. His leadership qualities also shone during his time as England captain, though not without controversy.

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Career Highlights & Batting Record

International Career:

• Test Career (1977–1995)

  • Matches: 79
  • Runs: 4,409
  • Batting Average: 35.55
  • 100s/50s: 10/21
  • Top Score: 207

• ODI Career (1981–1992)

  • Matches: 92
  • Runs: 1,795
  • Batting Average: 29.50
  • 100s/50s: 0/12
  • Top Score: 88

First-Class Career (1975–1998):

• Matches: 551
• Runs: 36,549
• Batting Average: 49.52
• 100s/50s: 94/183
• Top Score: 258

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Notable Performances:

1. 207 vs India, Chennai (1985)

   • Gatting’s only double century in Tests, crafted with composure and precision against a top Indian spin attack. His innings helped set up a big win and was a career-defining performance.

2. 136 vs Australia, Sydney (1986–87 Ashes)

   • As captain, Gatting’s century in the 1st Test helped England win the match and gain crucial momentum, leading to an Ashes series win in Australia—a rare feat for English sides.

3. 183*   vs India , Egbaston (1986)

   • A strokefilled enterprising 100 against a strong Indian outfit in a series dominated by India 

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Captaincy & Controversies:

• Led England in 23 Tests, including the successful 1986–87 Ashes tour.
• Was involved in the infamous "Shakoor Rana incident" in 1987 in Pakistan, where a heated on-field argument with the umpire became global news and marred relations for years.
• His ODI captaincy ended controversially after a reverse sweep dismissal in the 1987 World Cup Final against Australia, which many believe turned the match.

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Legacy:

Mike Gatting is remembered as one of England’s most tenacious post-war batsmen—a fighter with the bat who often thrived under pressure. Though he lacked flair, his reliability and fortitude served England well, especially during the Ashes. His leadership helped revive England's confidence in the mid-1980s.

Off the field, Gatting became a key administrator and ambassador for English cricket, later serving as ECB’s Managing Director of Cricket Partnerships.

While his career had its share of ups and downs, Gatting's toughness, gritty centuries, and Ashes-winning captaincy have carved his name into English cricket folklore—a symbol of the battling spirit England so often prizes in its cricketers.

Below watch Mike Gatting 's glorious 183 runs vs India at Egbaston in 1986 test .