Date of birth – 12 February 1980 Johannesburg, South Africa
Nottinghamshire First Class Debut – 1 April 2012 v Loughborough MCCU (h)
If 1,000 first class runs is usually the yardstick of a successful season for county batsmen, then Michael Lumb came up just 29 runs short in 2012.
No-one at Trent Bridge was complaining though as Michael’s 971 still represented a terrific first summer in Nottingham after his move from Hampshire.
After a couple of injury-hit campaigns Michael, son of former Yorkshire batsman Richard Lumb, returned to full fitness to shine in all three formats of the game and once more attract the eyes of the England selectors.
The aggressive left-hander was a member of England’s 2010 ICC World t20 winning side but then sustained two serious foot and ankle injuries, keeping him sidelined and out of the game for separate lengthy spells.
Looking for a change of fortune and a change of scenery Michael agreed to join Mick Newell’s side for 2012 and scored three championship centuries, along with some punchy knocks in white ball cricket.
His stock rose further when he collected the Golden Bat for being the leading scorer whilst playing for the Sydney Sixers in the Champions League and he then went to Sri Lanka as a squad player in England’s unsuccessful World t20 defence.
Back to his best, Michael enjoyed one of the most successful years of his career in 2012 and Nottinghamshire fans will be hoping for even more this summer – including those extra 29 runs!