Iain Sutcliffe

A solid rather than spectacular left-hander, Iain Sutcliffe made the most of his ability to become a dependable opening batsman. He started his career at Leicestershire, where he was part of the Championship winning teams in 1996 and 1998. However, in 2003 he decided a change of county was needed and moved north to Lancashire where he became part of a high-scoring top order. He didn't churn out the runs in the style of some of his team-mates, but played vital innings - often in testing conditions - and became well-respected around Old Trafford. He often found himself stuck at short-leg to the spinners and has held some fine catches in that position, but in 2008 diminishing returns with the bat and opportunities outside cricket led him to retire before the end of the season. Away from cricket he enjoys his boxing and picked up a blue at Oxford.
Andrew McGlashan August 2008