England captain turned master commentator and Wisden cricket writer of the year
CricketFew opening batsmen have been tested quite like Michael Atherton. Fewer still have walked away with their dignity intact and an entire second career waiting for them.
A Cambridge graduate and Lancashire stalwart, Atherton captained England 54 times between 1993 and 1998, a record at the time. His finest hour came in Johannesburg in 1995, when he batted for 643 minutes to save a Test match against South Africa, scoring 185 not out while every other wicket fell around him. It remains one of the great rearguard innings in English cricket.
His playing years were spent largely against the West Indian and Australian attacks at their peak. He made runs when others could not and carried the captaincy through a period of genuine rebuilding. A chronic back condition shortened his career but never his concentration.
Since retirement Atherton has become the quiet authority of English cricket coverage, lead writer for The Times and lead commentator for Sky Sports. His interviews with Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, and others have set the standard for how the modern game is discussed. He was named Wisden cricket writer of the year multiple times.
At Steam Wine Bar, Atherton brings the sharp intelligence that made him both a survivor at the crease and one of the most respected voices in the press box.
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