Jonathan Batty      

Full name Jonathan Neil Batty

Born April 18, 1974, Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Current age 35 years 203 days

Major teams Oxford University, Oxfordshire, Surrey

Batting style Right-hand bat

Fielding position Wicketkeeper

Jonathan Batty's appointment to replace Adam Hollioake as Surrey captain at the end of 2003 was a surprising move by a county who had become identifiable for big-name signings and high-profile players. Batty was one of the non-household names at The Oval, a journeyman pro who had made the most of circumstances to forge a place in a winning side. But his tenure at the helm was to last only one season, as he was replaced by the higher profile Mark Butcher After graduating from Durham in 1993 he spent a season at Hampshire but was not retained and then trialed without success at Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Middlesex, Surrey and Somerset. He kept plugging away, playing for British Universities, Oxfordshire and Minor Counties, before he received offers for 1997 from Somerset and Surrey. He opted to be third-string keeper at The Oval behind Graham Kersey and Alec Stewart. Before Batty even arrived, Kersey was fatally injured in a car crash in Australia. With Stewart mostly away on England duty, Batty became a regular. "Someone else's terrible misfortune worked in my favour," he said. Mark Butcher's absence led to him being asked to open, and between 2001 and 2003 his Championship average rocketed from 16 to 35 to 57.
Martin Williamson September 2004

Equalled world record for catches in an innings (8) Surrey v Kent, The Oval, May, 2004

Sep 18, 2009

Ian Salisbury and Jon Batty with the Second XI Championship shield

© PA Photos

Sep 9, 2009

Jon Batty leaps to celebrate his hundred

© PA Photos

Jun 30, 2008

Jonathan Batty square drives during his century

© Getty Images

View the full index of related photos »