Guy Whittall

Guy Whittall was an aggressive middle-order batsman who could score useful runs, even centuries, at Test level, and a nippy medium-pace change bowler with the knack of taking useful wickets, besides being a very good outfielder with a fine throw. Originally selected for his batting, he developed into a useful seamer, combining away swing with nip off the pitch. At the age of 16 he was selected for the national schools side and scored a century in the Logan Cup (in its pre-first-class days) for Zimbabwe Schools against the Harare Central team. He made his first-class debut at the age of 18, and his Test debut against Pakistan shortly afterwards. He seemed to enjoy playing against Pakistan, making his first Test century in Zimbabwe's first Test win at Harare in 1995, and in 1998-99 completing a Test double hundred against them. His other highs included an unbeaten 188 against New Zealand in September 2000 and playing a key role in Zimbabwe's successful 1999 World Cup squad. After playing 46 Tests and 147 ODIs, including three World Cups, he announced his retirement in March 2003 to concentrate on his family's game-ranch business.
John Ward