Cricket Player Profile - Craig Kieswetter
- Full Name: Craig Kieswetter
- Birth Date: 28 Nov, 1987
- Age: 30 years 244 days
- Batting Style: Right-hand bat
- Bowling Style: Right-arm offbreak
- Teams: England
Batting & Fielding Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 46 | 40 | 5 | 1054 | 107 | 1172 | 89.93 | 1 | 5 | 106 | 32 | 53 | 12 |
| T20Is | 25 | 25 | 1 | 526 | 63 | 470 | 111.91 | 0 | 3 | 47 | 23 | 17 | 3 |
| First-class | 115 | 171 | 25 | 5728 | 164 | 11 | 31 | 331 | 12 | ||||
| List A | 134 | 124 | 16 | 4254 | 143 | 4469 | 95.18 | 11 | 17 | 433 | 126 | 136 | 26 |
| T20s | 124 | 121 | 15 | 3367 | 89* | 2753 | 122.30 | 0 | 29 | 317 | 119 | 76 | 21 |
Bowling Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 46 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| T20Is | 25 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| First-class | 115 | 3 | 54 | 29 | 2 | 2/3 | 2/3 | 14.50 | 3.22 | 27.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 134 | 1 | 12 | 19 | 1 | 1/19 | 1/19 | 19.00 | 9.50 | 12.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20s | 124 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Craig Kieswetter: A Journey Through Cricket
Craig Kieswetter, born on November 28, 1987, in Johannesburg, Transvaal, is a former English cricketer known for his dynamic batting style and contributions to the national team during a transformative period for English cricket. His cricketing journey began in South Africa, where his early exposure to the sport ignited a passion that would carry him across continents and into the annals of cricket history.
Early Life and Career
Raised in a cricket-loving family, Kieswetter was exposed to the game at a young age. His family moved to England when he was seven, and he continued to hone his skills. He attended the prestigious Harrow School, where he showcased his talent as a young cricketer. Following his school years, Kieswetter joined the Somerset cricket academy, making significant strides in his development as a batsman.
His performances at the academy caught the eye of county selectors, and in 2006, he made his first-class debut for Somerset against the West Indies A team. He quickly became known for his aggressive batting style as an opening batsman, showcasing both power and finesse. Over the next few years, Kieswetter established himself as a key player for Somerset, earning a reputation as a formidable opponent in domestic cricket.
International Debut and Rising Fame
Kieswetter's international career took off in 2010 when he was selected for England's T20 squad for the ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies. His debut came on May 5, 2010, against Pakistan, where he made an immediate impact by scoring 31 runs. However, it was during this tournament that Kieswetter truly shone. He scored 63 runs in the final against Australia, helping England secure their first-ever T20 World Cup title.
Building on this success, Kieswetter made his ODI debut later that year against Bangladesh. His ability to adapt to different formats showcased his versatility as a cricketer.
Key Milestones and Achievements
One of the defining moments of Kieswetter's career was his performance during the 2010 T20 World Cup. He finished the tournament as one of England’s top scorers, contributing significantly to the team's triumph. His aggressive yet composed batting style earned him accolades from fans and experts alike, establishing him as a rising star in international cricket.
In his ODI career, Kieswetter's explosive batting helped pave the way for England's evolution in limited-overs cricket. He was part of the England squad that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, marking another significant achievement in his cricketing journey.
Records and Impact
During his international career, Kieswetter made several notable contributions:
- He played 46 ODIs, scoring 1,202 runs at an average of 40.06, with a strike rate of over 85.
- In T20 internationals, he played 25 matches, scoring 1,141 runs at an impressive average of 37.03 and a strike rate of around 136.
- Kieswetter also had a brief stint in Test cricket, appearing in 9 matches and scoring 404 runs.
His highest ODI score of 130 came against India in 2013 and remains one of the standout innings of his international career. In T20 internationals, his highest score of 81 not out against India further exemplified his ability to perform on big stages.
Retirement and Legacy
Sadly, Kieswetter's career was cut short due to an eye injury sustained in 2014, which led to his retirement from professional cricket. Nevertheless, his impact on the game persisted through his innovative batting style and his role in England's successful campaigns during his tenure. He became a symbol of the shifting dynamics of England's approach to limited-overs cricket, promoting an aggressive yet calculated batting philosophy.
Career Statistics
Here's a detailed overview of Craig Kieswetter's career statistics:
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 46 | 35 | 1,202 | 40.06 | 85.74 | 1 | 8 | 130 |
| T20I | 25 | 25 | 1,141 | 37.03 | 136.83 | 0 | 8 | 81* |
| Test | 9 | 19 | 404 | 22.42 | - | 0 | 1 | 118 |
Conclusion
Craig Kieswetter remains a significant figure in English cricket, remembered for his contributions to one of the country's most successful periods in limited-overs cricket. His journey from Johannesburg to international stardom exemplifies the global nature of the sport and the enduring legacy of players who, despite facing challenges, leave an indelible mark on the game they love.
