Read inherited the Notts captaincy in 2008 and led Notts to a second-placed finish in Division One of the LV County Championship.
Commonly regarded as the best wicketkeeper in the country, Read hasn't had much joy at international level despite his consistent excellence with the gloves on the county circuit. Unflappable, tidy and athletic behind the stumps, returned to England duties in 2003, having established himself as an aggressive and occasionally unorthodox attacker in the middle order.
In one-day matches, his ability to stand up to the stumps to all but the quickest of bowlers puts pressure on opposing batsmen.
First drafted into England action in 1999 as a raw 20-year-old, Alec Stewart's retirement saw him return to action in 2003 before he was axed by England coach Duncan Fletcher in favour of Geraint Jones.?He began the 2006 season with back-to-back centuries against the MCC and Yorkshire to increase the clamour for a recall.
It finally became impossible to ignore when he crashed Pakistan's bowling attack for an unbeaten 150 while playing for England A. Read was again dumped by Fletcher for the 2006-07 Ashes and hasn't had an opportunity since.
Vowing to focus on his Notts' commitments, he twice set new career-bests with the bat, including a mammoth 240 against Essex. ?A calm and intelligent presence in the dressing room, Read has his sights set on winning a one-day trophy with the Outlaws as well as challenging once more for the Championship.
Read was awarded a benefit year in 2009 and celebrated the birth of his first child but wasn’t distracted and claimed the player of the year award after amassing 1203 championship runs.