Kingsley Went (born 19 August 1981) is a Zimbabwean former cricketer.[1] He played sixteen first-class matches between 1999 and 2005.[2]
Personal information | |
---|---|
Born | Harare, Zimbabwe | 19 August 1981
Source: ESPNcricinfo, 8 December 2016 |
Biography
editBorn in Harare, Went has spent most of his life in Mutare, with a notable family lineage tracing back to Kingsley Fairbridge.[3] He found his passion for cricket at Hillcrest Primary School, and his skill gradually grew, leading him to consider a professional career in the sport.[3]
His school cricket career was marked by impressive performances as an opening batter and wicket-keeper.[3] His transition to focus on off-breaks was influenced by a conversation with Mike Whiley of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union.[3] Despite this shift, he still played as a wicket-keeper occasionally.[3]
Went excelled in school cricket, with standout scores of 122 not out against a visiting school from Norwich, England, 103 against a Hillcrest Old Boys team, and 99 against Watershed.[3] He served as the vice-captain for most of his teams and captained in his final year, 1999.[3]
Went started playing club cricket in Mutare at the age of 15, first for his school team, then for Mutare Sports Club, eventually joining the Manicaland team.[3] While he didn't frequently use his bowling skills during this time, Went views bowling as his secondary skill rather than wicket-keeping.[3]
Went studied business management, geography, and maths at A-level.[3] His career aspirations include joining the Zimbabwe A team and the full national side.[3]
Unfortunately, a slipped disc during his only first-class match for the Academy halted his season.[3] Upon recovery, he played successfully for Upminster in Essex, scoring nine half-centuries in 18 games. He later returned to the Academy, where he developed his skills under the mentorship of Dave Houghton.[3]
In 2000, he played in England again, this time for Ely and Haddenham in the Cambridgeshire league, where he averaged over 40 with the bat and a top score of 130.[3] In 2002, he played for South Oxford and Lister.[3]
Part of the national league-winning Mutare Sports Club team in 2001/02, Went excelled as a batter, favoring a slow start at the crease before ramping up his scoring rate.[3]
Went has represented Manicaland in men's hockey and enjoys golf and tennis recreationally.[3]