Dominic Cork – The Spectacular Beginning
Dominic Cork stormed into the international cricket arena after his dream debut in Test cricket against West Indies. It was said that the search for a proper all-rounder finally came to an end, as England found a new star. Cork became the crisis man for England. His out-swingers and in-duckers were lethal. His contributions in lower-middle orders were making a big difference too. He was a ray of hope which was missing since the retirement of Ian Botham.
Early days:
Dominic Cork was born on August 7th, 1971 at Newcastle-under-Lyme to Mary and Gerald Cork. He was the youngest of three brothers. Mary said Gerald was faster than Cork. They enjoyed cricket and played together in family outings. Dad often became an umpire and all the three brothers played fiercely. Dominic always had to bring his best game as he was competing with the elders. They all played under Gerald’s captaincy in the Betley Cricket Club Second Eleven.
Dream Debut:
Dominic Cork had a great first-class season with Derbyshire in 1994-95. He took nine for 43 against Northamptonshire before the Test squad selection against West Indies and was awarded with the Test cap. He made his debut at Lord’s in the second Test match of the series on Jun 22, 1995. Batting first, England posted 283 runs on the board. Cork scored 30 runs and took one wicket in the first innings. He scored 23 runs in the second innings and took 7 wickets for 43. This is the best figure for an English man on Test debut. Cork was declared the player of the match. A dream debut indeed.
Embed from Getty ImagesHat-trick:
Cork took a hat-trick in the second innings of his debut Test series against West Indies at Old Trafford. It was his third Test match. Cork’s first victim was Richie Richardson. Richie dragged the ball to stamps from outside the off. Next was Junior Murray who was given LBW. He took two wickets in two balls and it brought Carl Hooper on the crease to face the hat-trick ball. Cork said. “For Hooper, I knew that I had to pitch it right up, almost half-volley length, and get it straight because he is an LBW candidate early on.” It worked. Cork was delighted. After all, the first international hat-trick was always special. He went on and took 26 wickets in the series.
Embed from Getty ImagesCounty Magic:
Cork started his career at Staffordshire in 1989-90 and soon he joined Derbyshire in the next season. Cork had many memorable performances with Derbyshire, including his man-of-the-match performance in the final of the 1993 Benson & Hedges Cup against Lancashire. He scored an unbeaten 92 and took the wicket of Mike Watkinson. Cork continued to play for Derbyshire till 2003 before he moved to Lancashire due to disagreements with the management of Derbyshire. He got released from Lancashire by the end of 2008 and joined Hampshire. He continued to play for Hampshire till he was 40 and packed his boots finally. Hampshire fans always remember Cork’s stupendous performance at the T20 final against Somerset in 2010.
Embed from Getty ImagesA great prospect but couldn’t make big at International level. Cork played 37 Test and 32 ODI matches for England between 1995 and 2002.