Graham Gooch O.B.E.
	Major Teams:Essex, Western Province, England. Batting Style: Right Hand Bat Bowling Style:Right Arm Medium Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1980
	Test Debut:England v Australia at Birmingham, 1st Test, 1975 Latest Test:England v Australia at Perth, 5th Test, 1994/95 ODI Debut: England v West Indies at Scarborough, Prudential Trophy, 1976 Latest ODI: England v Australia at Melbourne, World Series, 1994/95
	After growing up in the East End of London, Graham Gooch rose through the ranks at Essex, before debuting for England in the 1975 Ashes. Gooch bagged a pair against some fierce bowling, and was relegated to the sidelines for three years. After reminding the selectors with fine county displays, Gooch was recalled, and was by 1982, an established member of the team. He agreed to lead a rebel tour of apartheid South Africa and was subsequently banned from international competition. Returning in 1985, Gooch made decent scores, but it was not until later in his career that he excelled and started to reap the rewards of his efforts. Appointed England captain in 1990, Gooch found an extra gear, and enjoyed a new lease of life. He made 333 against India in the Lord's Test, as part of a world record match aggregate of 456. However, many regard his innings the following summer at Headingley facing the West Indian quick’s as far superior. He carried his bat, making 154* to lead his side to an historic 115 run victory. Fine first-class form continued and his captaincy led England to the World Cup final. However, the intense fitness regime he imposed on the side led to disputes, notably with Botham and Gower. By 1993, when Gooch became the highest England run-scorer in history, his side's Test form had slumped, and there was seen to be a need for new blood as he gave up both the captaincy and his place in the side. Following a return as a player to score 210 against the Kiwis in 1994, his form slumped and he retired after a further ashes series. Despite outstanding county form in early 1995 and 1996, an international recall was not to be, and Gooch settled for a selector's job shortly before retiring.
	Many will remember Gooch for his characteristic high back lift, and proud moustache. He is well regarded by current players as a coach, and contributed vast amounts of runs to both club and country. Gooch batted with an upright style, and characteristically lifted his bat into the high back lift position well before the bowler's arm came over. this allowed him to drive with a flu swing of the bat, and with great power. He was at his best against quick bowling, but handled the spinners well despite reluctance to leave his crease. He would move well in front of his stumps in order to get into line, which left him vulnerable to being caught in front when the ball nipped back into him. He was also a useful medium pace bowler, and worked hard on his fielding.