If some experts are to be believed then Gareth Batty is the best spin-bowler in the country. Whether this is correct is both a moot point and a dubious honour, but Batty performed well enough in 2003 to fully deserve a chance to extend his England career.
Vying with Ashley Giles for the role of number-one spinner in the England side, Batty’s strength of character and determination to succeed has pushed him to the forefront.
He made his first-class debut with Yorkshire in 1997.
Batty continued to mature and when injuries struck the full England touring party in Australia he was drafted to play in two One-Day Internationals.
He continued to make progress throughout the 2003 season and when England required extra spin cover against South Africa for the third Test at Trent Bridge, they turned to Batty.
Although failing to make the starting XI, he was nevertheless considered an important member of the squad and as such earned his place on the winter tour of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
It was in Dhaka that he made his Test debut and, under difficult conditions, took some important wickets and showed real character with the bat in pressure situations.
{{/usCountry}}It was in Dhaka that he made his Test debut and, under difficult conditions, took some important wickets and showed real character with the bat in pressure situations.
{{/usCountry}}Returning home with his reputation enhanced he was also selected for England’s successful tour of the West Indies and he was included in the 14-man squad for the NatWest Challenge against India and the ICC Champions Trophy.