Ronnie Irani

At Essex, Irani captains his international skipper - a strange sporting relationship.

At Essex, Irani captains his international skipper - a strange sporting relationship.

But that very same association was instrumental in Irani's return to the international frame.

Nasser Hussain saw at close quarters the all-rounder's form and duly drafted him into the one-day squad in the summer of 2002.

After more than five years in the wilderness, he returned with a bang.

He weighed in with runs every time he went to the wicket and his average of 30 was three times greater than his previous figure in one-day cricket.

His bowling stats were also far improved, 12 wickets at 26 including a five-wicket haul, compared to four at 61 during his previous international incarnation in the mid-nineties.

CAREER STATISTICS >>