As Bruce French turns 61, we take a closer look at five defining moments in the life and times of a Nottinghamshire legend.

 

A landmark debut

Before he had even strapped on his wicketkeeping gloves for his first-class debut, French was destined to be a record-breaker.

At the age of 16 years and 318 days, French became the youngest player ever to represent Notts when he made his debut against Cambridge University.

The teenager took two catches – both off the bowling of fellow debutant Kevin Cooper – as Notts won by an innings and 19 runs.

 

Records and runs

French’s immaculate work behind the stumps helped him to enjoy a near 20-year stint behind the stumps for Notts.

His 829 dismissals in First-Class cricket place him third on the list of ‘keepers to represent the county.

Meanwhile, with 290 victims, French held the Nottinghamshire record for most dismissals in List A cricket until it was overhauled by Chris Read.

His career also included a pair of memorable centuries - against Derbyshire in 1991 and Durham in 1993.

 

 

International selections

French had to wait patiently for full international honours, with the retirements of Bob Taylor and Alan Knott paving the way to a debut in India.

French played in three ODIs during the 1984/85 tour of the subcontinent, before taking three catches on Test debut against the same opposition at Headingley in 1986.

He went on to play 15 further Tests and a total of 13 ODIs, taking 51 catches and four stumpings.

 

Wounded by the Windies

Batting against the all-conquering West Indian side of the 1980s could be a treacherous business.

French spent two days in hospital after being struck on the head by a Malcolm Marshall bouncer in 1986, leading England to field a total of four different wicketkeepers during the game – including the retired Bob Taylor.

Also remembered for a couple of freakish injuries, French was once bitten by a dog during a tour of the West Indies and struck on the head as a spectator attempted to return the ball during a net session in Pakistan.

 

 

French and Ball

French retired as a player in 1995 and remains on the England staff as Wicketkeeping Coach to this day.

It is in this role that French was able to be on hand as his nephew, Jake Ball, enjoyed one of the proudest moments of his career.

French had the honour of presenting Ball with his maiden Test cap at Lord’s in 2016, having also presented the Notts quick with his county cap earlier that summer.

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