In the 11th in the series of profiles revealing what and who makes us enjoy playing or watching cricket, it is the time for a player with more clubs than even Westy …. it’s James Hibberd.
If you would like to get involved, all players, past or present can give us their take on the sport, at Calmore Sports or otherwise – so please answer the 18 questions and email richard@calmoresports.co.uk.
Name: James Hibberd.
Nickname(s): Hibby, Hibbo, Leroy, Barrel.
What sparked your interest in cricket: Dad played when I was young and the reason I ended up coming to Calmore at the age of 13.
Do you prefer the T20, 50-over, county or Test format of the game: Test cricket for me is the ultimate test of a player.
Cricketing hero: Shane Warne, meeting him and training with him at Hampshire CCC was an unbelievable experience.
Favourite current (professional) player: Ben Stokes – awesome player!
Most admired/best player you have played with: Most admired is/was Paul Draper, great work ethic and always has great advise. Best player was Glenn Maxwell, an unbelievably talented bloke.
Most formidable opponent: Kevin Pietersen. I played against him in 2004 and I was scared stood at square leg!
Who would you most like to be isolated with from Calmore Sports – and who wouldn’t you: Like to – Paul Proudley, we would isolate well in KFC.
Favourite away ground: Bashley – always seemed to do well there!
Favourite/most memorable match you’ve played in: Staying up against New Milton last game of last season.
Personal highlight/champagne moment: Scoring 111 not out against BAT – hitting the best ever SL bowler, Dan Goldstraw, for 6 – 4 – 6 to get to 100 (we still lost by 8 wickets).
Funniest moment/s in cricket: Playing cricket with Graeme Lyon. He his a porno in my bag when I was young (15), my mum found it in my bag the following day. Cheers Grangy!
Best way to relax after the game: Beers – it kills the pain!
Do/did you have any cricketing superstitions: Always pack my bag the same way.
What will you miss most in cricket during this enforced break: I have and only missed the teas!
Is there anything you’d change about the game:
If you could invite 3 cricketing celebrities (players, presenters, commentators) round for dinner, who would they be and why: Botham, Flintoff and Warne – be one hell of a piss up!
