Nottinghamshire wicketkeeper Chris Read has today been honoured by the Club upon reaching the landmark of 1,000 dismissals in first-class cricket.
The 37-year-old became the 25th gloveman in history to reach the four-figure haul when he caught Paul Collingwood, from the bowling of Brett Hutton, during the recent LV= County Championship victory over Durham.
The Club’s Chairman of Cricket Bill Taylor and Director of Cricket Mick Newell made a commemorative presentation to Read ahead of the current fixture against Hampshire.
“You’ve only got to look at the number of people who’ve done it; it’s a small number of elite wicketkeepers who have achieved this milestone in the game,” said Newell.
“Chris has been widely respected as one of the best wicketkeepers in the English game for a very long time.
“It’s about consistency over time, having a great pair of hands, being a good catcher and diver, having good footwork, sustaining a tremendous level of fitness and all the other things that make a great wicketkeeper.
“To have done that as well as taking the captaincy and scoring the number of runs he’s scored, he’s a fantastic all-rounder.
“It’s a tough role keeping wicket, being captain and everything else he brings to the Club, and the length of time he’s led the Club is huge testament to his fitness, mental strength and desire to see Notts succeed.
“To bat at number seven throughout his career, which is pretty much what he’s done, and to score the number of runs at the averages he’s hit, with consistency over that long period of time, it’s a fantastic effort.”
Newell believes a consistent work ethic has been the key to Read’s longevity and success.
“He does the simple things well and he does them every single day,” the Director of Cricket added.
“The Members and supporters love him and he’s a role model to the other players. He’s the fittest player we’ve got, he’s the first in the gym, he works very hard all the time, he practices his wicketkeeping now to the same level he always has and he’s the ultimate professional.”
Read was capped by his county in 1999, made captain in 2007, enjoyed a benefit season in 2009 and was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2011.
He made his first class debut in January 1998, whilst on tour with England A, before making his bow for Notts at home to Durham the following May.
A week later, at Valentine’s Park, Ilford, he caught Essex’s Ronnie Irani, from the bowling of Mark Bowen, to begin a haul of scalps for Notts which has now reached record-breaking proportions.
Read has scored 15,114 runs from his 320 first class matches, at an average of 37.59, with 24 centuries and a best of 240.
His 1,000 dismissal landmark comprised 950 catches and 50 stumpings spread across appearances for his county and country, plus matches for England A, an England XI, the ECB National Academy and the MCC.
For Nottinghamshire alone, he has played 277 games, scored 13,856 runs and completed 881 dismissals, with 840 catches and 41 stumpings.
The Club would like to congratulate Chris on his achievement.
The 2015 season has seen dramatic last-gasp four day victories, thrilling limited-overs contests and an historic Investec Ashes Test, all in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge.
Next season, we’d wager, will be no less enthralling and frankly we’d hate for you to miss out.