David Ward (Surrey cricketer)

David Mark Ward (born 10 February 1961 at Croydon, Surrey) is a former aggressive batsman and occasional wicket-keeper for Surrey County Cricket Club, playing from 1985 until 2004. In all first-class matches, he scored 8139 runs at an average of 38.39, with 16 centuries and a highest score of 294 not out.[1] He scored "a remarkable 2,072 first-class runs in 1990, including seven hundreds".[1]

David Ward
Personal information
Full name
David Mark Ward
Born (1961-02-10) 10 February 1961 (age 63)
Croydon, Surrey, England
NicknameGnasher
BattingRight-handed
BowlingRight-arm off-break
RoleBatter, occasional wicketkeeper
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
1984–2002Surrey
1997–2008Hertfordshire
Career statistics
Competition First-class List A
Matches 156 240
Runs scored 8,139 5,439
Batting average 38.39 30.38
100s/50s 16/33 5/33
Top score 294* 114
Balls bowled 107 6
Wickets 2
Bowling average 56.50
5 wickets in innings
10 wickets in match
Best bowling 2/66 0/6
Catches/stumpings 122/3 102/3
Source: CricketArchive, 16 November 2024

Nicknamed "Gnasher" for his prominent teeth, Ward was something of a cult personality as a player.[1] He is now a coach at Whitgift School, where his pupils have included England opening batsmen Rory Burns, Jason Roy and Dom Sibley, and several other players for Surrey, such as Freddie van den Bergh, Laurie Evans and Jamie Smith.

Within the conservative and restrictive world of cricket whites, Ward was able to demonstrate a little eccentricity, occasionally choosing to wear a cap or even helmet decorated in the traditional Harlequin pattern more associated with Douglas Jardine and other players of yester-year.

Ward currently plays club cricket for Old Whitgiftians C.C. in the Surrey Championship when his school duties allow.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Surrey cult heroes". Espncricinfo.com. 19 December 2005. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
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