Top 10 interesting Facts about Alistair Campbell

Top 10 interesting Facts about Alistair Campbell: Alistair Campbell, born on September 23rd, 1972, is the former Zimbabwean captain, best known for bringing laurels to his country when the team was still counted amongst the minnows. Alistair Campbell, along with the flowers (Grant Flower and Andy Flower) formed the core of the Zimbabwe’s strong batting line-up. He batted as an opener in one dayer’s but at middle order in tests matches.

Alistair Campbell played 60 tests and scored 2858 runs with 2 tons and 18 fifties. In ODIs he performed better; scoring 5185 runs in 188 matches with 30 half centuries and 7 centuries as well at an average of around 31. On the occasion of the stylish left-hander’s 43rd birthday, Cricket Tracker brings you top 10 interesting facts about the cricketer that you should know.

1) Dashing World Cup Debut (1992):

Alistair Campbell was picked in for the Zimbabwe’s team for 1992 cricket world cup when he scored record-breaking first class ton at the age of just 19. However, he failed to cash in on the opportunity, failing to make any big impact in the coveted tournament. He scored only 13 runs in his first three innings.

2) Duck on debut test:

Alistair Campbell played his first test against India in 1992. He played a fine knock of 45 in the first innings but failed for a duck in the second innings when India’s legendary fast bowler Kapil Dev bowled him out off the first ball.

3) Unforgettable Pakistan Tour (1993-94):

Campbell can never forget this tour of Pakistan. He was extremely successful in the series hitting 3 half-centuries against the deadly trio of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Mushtaq Ahmad. He scored 205 runs in the series at the satisfactory average of 41 against the deadliest bowling attack.

4) Cricket in Genes:

Alistair Campbell has probably got the art of hitting balls elegantly all across the field from his father. Yes, Senior Campbell is well-known for nurturing young talents across the country. He used to be a coach of highly skillful Brendan Taylor.

5) Charismatic Captain (1996-99):

Campbell was the charismatic captain for his team, inspiring his team mates to perform well in dire situations. He led his team to a series victory against the giant Pakistan in 1998-99 tour. Campbell also successfully took his team to the Super Six stage of 1999 cricket world cup.

6) Right-hander or southpaw:

Alistair Campbell used to bat with right hand in his initial days, but his father wanted him to bat left-handed. His father believed that since Campbell was a natural right-hander, he would be able to play shots better as left-hander. The decision came true when Alistair Campbell played consistently well for his side in his 11-year-long career.

7) Fabulous 1998:

The year 1998 was the best for Alistair Campbell’s cricket career as he successfully defeated both the Asian giants – India and Pakistan in test matches. In 1998, Alistair Campbell successfully led his national side to a 1-0 series victory against Pakistan, this was the first test series win for Zimbabwe.

8) Controversy:

Calm and cool Alistair Campbell stirred a huge controversy when he was quoted as saying “The race thing has spilled onto the field, and there hasn’t been the same commitment. The team are being torn apart. If the race becomes an issue it makes things unpleasant for everybody. People want to see the best team representing their country”. He was later punished by the board for his racist slur.

9) Retirement:

When Campbell was not included in 2003 cricket world, he immediately announced his retirement. But he was called in to play Zimbabwe’s final match against Kenya where he got out after scoring 7 only. Kenya won the match convincingly at the end. Following it, Campbell never got the chance to represent his team in colorful jersey again.

10) Zimbabwe Cricket Chief:

Alistair Campbell was appointed as the managing director of the Zimbabwe Cricket board earlier this year. It was his hard work and thorough determination that international cricket returned to Pakistan bringing an end to the Asian nation’s 6-year isolation from International cricket.