Paul Collingwood, with his hard-hitting batting and useful medium-pacers, has become an integral part of the England one-day set-up.
Born and bred in Durham, he is arguably the best fielder in the squad.
He was swift to make an impression on the first-class game for his home county, taking the wicket of former England all-rounder David Capel with his first ball, and scoring 91 in his first innings against Northamptonshire.
Collingwood was also voted Player of the Year by the Durham members in 2000, particularly for his one-day efforts.
A back injury then saw his form peak and trough but in 2001 he found his groove and dazzled in the county championship and the one-day game.
Indeed, his one-day form earned him national recognition and he was selected for the NatWest Series against Pakistan and Australia.
Despite finding the step-up to international cricket a daunting experience, the selectors showed their confidence in his ability by choosing him for the one-day tour of Zimbabwe, where he starred as England secured a 5-0 whitewash.
His importance in England's one-day plans was highlighted when he was included in the 14-man squad for the NatWest Challenge and ICC Champions Trophy.