Cricket Player Profile - Dominic Cork
- Full Name: Dominic Cork
- Birth Date: 07 Aug, 1971
- Age: 46 years 357 days
- Batting Style: Right-hand bat
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
- Teams: England
Batting & Fielding Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 37 | 56 | 8 | 864 | 59 | 2092 | 41.30 | 0 | 3 | 111 | 4 | 18 | 0 |
| ODIs | 32 | 21 | 3 | 180 | 31* | 271 | 66.42 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| First-class | 321 | 465 | 61 | 10114 | 200* | 8 | 54 | 237 | 0 | ||||
| List A | 314 | 240 | 40 | 4184 | 93 | 0 | 19 | 113 | 0 | ||||
| T20s | 82 | 51 | 16 | 445 | 28 | 370 | 120.27 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 15 | 15 | 0 |
Bowling Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 37 | 62 | 7678 | 3906 | 131 | 7/43 | 9/162 | 29.81 | 3.05 | 58.6 | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| ODIs | 32 | 32 | 1772 | 1368 | 41 | 3/27 | 3/27 | 33.36 | 4.63 | 43.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| First-class | 321 | 54314 | 26439 | 989 | 9/43 | 26.73 | 2.92 | 54.9 | 36 | 5 | |||
| List A | 314 | 14675 | 10601 | 382 | 6/21 | 6/21 | 27.75 | 4.33 | 38.4 | 13 | 4 | 0 | |
| T20s | 82 | 74 | 1466 | 1733 | 73 | 4/16 | 4/16 | 23.73 | 7.09 | 20.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Dominic Cork: A Journey Through Cricket
Dominic Cork, born on August 7, 1971, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, is a notable figure in English cricket history. Renowned for his right-arm fast-medium bowling and determined batting style, Cork's cricketing journey is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and dedication to the game.
Early Life
Cork's passion for cricket was apparent from a young age. Raised in a sporting family, his early exposure to the game honed his skills and set the foundation for his future career. He attended the local school in Staffordshire and rapidly progressed through the ranks of youth cricket, showcasing his talents as both a bowler and a batsman.
Domestic Career
Cork began his professional career with Derbyshire in 1989, making a significant impact in the County Championship. He quickly established himself as one of the leading bowlers in the domestic circuit. His early performances were marked by pace and swing, making him a formidable opponent for batsmen. His ability to take wickets at crucial times and contribute with the bat when needed earned him accolades and respect amongst peers.
International Debut
Dominic Cork made his international debut for England on 3rd September 1995 in a One Day International (ODI) against the West Indies. He quickly became a mainstay in the English squad, making his Test debut shortly afterward against the same opposition on 9th August 1995.
Key Milestones
Over his career, Cork had several key milestones and achievements. One of his most significant moments came during the 1998-1999 Ashes series in Australia, where he excelled, becoming the first England bowler to take 10 wickets in a match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). His performance earned him accolades and established him as a crucial player in England's bowling attack.
Records and Achievements
Cork's impressive career includes numerous records and milestones. He played a total of 37 Test matches for England, accumulating 1,123 runs and taking 124 wickets at an average of 32.60. In ODIs, he represented England in 38 matches, scoring 499 runs and taking 69 wickets. Additionally, he played in the T20 format, where he made a significant contribution to the team's overall performance.
Notably, Cork is the only player to take five wickets in each inning during a single Test match against the West Indies at the County Ground, Derby, in 1995, which reflects his ability to perform under pressure. His aggressive bowling style and knack for taking crucial wickets added significant value to the England side during his playing years.
Impact on the Game
Cork's approach to the game, characterized by his fighting spirit and tactical acumen, left a lasting impact on English cricket. He was known for his ability to swing the ball and generate pace, qualities that inspired a generation of bowlers in England. His performances during the Ashes series have been particularly highlighted as turning points for England cricket in the late 1990s.
After retiring from international cricket, Cork continued to contribute to the sport through coaching and commentary, imparting his knowledge and experience to upcoming cricketers. His understanding of the game and insights have made him a respected voice in cricketing circles.
Career Statistics
Test Career:
- Matches: 37
- Runs: 1,123
- Batting Average: 32.60
- Wickets: 124
- Bowling Average: 32.24
- Best Bowling in an Innings: 7/43
- Five-wicket hauls: 5
One Day Internationals:
- Matches: 38
- Runs: 499
- Batting Average: 19.88
- Wickets: 69
- Bowling Average: 25.18
- Best Bowling in an Innings: 4/36
- Five-wicket hauls: 1
Twenty20 Internationals:
- Matches: 2
- Wickets: 1
- Bowling Average: 60.00
Conclusion
Dominic Cork's contributions to cricket, both as a player and post-retirement, are immeasurable. His journey from a promising young talent in Staffordshire to a key player for England is an inspiring story of hard work and dedication. Cork remains a celebrated figure in English cricket, and his achievements continue to resonate with fans and aspiring cricketers alike.
