Darren Maddy

BORN: 23/05/74

ROLE: Right-hand bat; right-arm medium

BEST TWENTY20 PERFORMANCE: 111 v Yorkshire Phoenix, Grace Road, 2004 (playing for Leicestershire)

An institution in county cricket circles, Maddy has cut and scythed his way through bowling attacks at the top of the order, first for Leicestershire and then Warwickshire, for the best part of 15 years. A fine first-class record of 251 matches is testament to his durability, but he will be remembered chiefly for his feats in the one-day arena, and in particular Twenty20 cricket, where Maddy became the fastest player to a 1,000 runs and won the tournament twice with Leicestershire Foxes in 2004 and 2006. His brilliance as an unorthodox opening batsman and a canny medium pace swing bowler landed him a recall to England colours for the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup (he also played three Tests in 1999). Although England were knocked out early, Maddy showed glimpses of the form that has frightened county bowlers up and down the land. After a horrific facial injury on the eve of the season, he is now back in Warwickshire's colours, and looking forward to putting his injury problems firmly behind him.

Do you enjoy the Twenty20 format?
Yes, there isn’t another game like it

What does it take to be successful in Twenty20 cricket?
The secret is to be open minded and flexible

What’s your go-to shot when you really need a boundary?
The slog

How do you adapt your batting method for Twenty20 matches?
Relax and be positive

What’s the most memorable Twenty20 match you’ve played in?
It would have to be the Twenty20 final in 2005 playing for Leicestershire against Surrey

Can you name three famous pirates?
Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain James Hook, Blackbeard

If you had a parrot, what would be the first phrase you would teach it?
****off!

What would you call your pirate ship?
The Quadricept

Do you get seasick?
Only when the water is choppy

What would you spend your last piece of eight on?
Not sure what it would get me these days!

Who would you most want to be shipwrecked with?
Megan Fox
 
What would be your desert island discs?
Beach Boys

What three items would go in your treasure chest?
Solar powered ipod and laptop, and suncream

Which celebrity would you like to make walk the plank?
It’s got to be Jordan…