Cricket is often a young player’s game, but Richard Gleeson proves that talent and perseverance can break through at any age. The England pacer, who made his international debut at 34, has become an inspiring story of late success in professional cricket. With his sharp pace, deceptive variations, and pinpoint accuracy, Gleeson has carved out a niche as a reliable T20 specialist.
In this article, we explore Gleeson’s unusual journey, his impact on English cricket, and what makes him a dangerous bowler in the shortest format.
Who is Richard Gleeson?
Born on February 2, 1988, in Blackpool, Richard Gleeson spent years grinding in county cricket before getting his big break. Unlike many international cricketers who debut in their early 20s, Gleeson’s persistence paid off much later.
Key Career Milestones:
-
County Cricket Stint (2016-2022): Played for Northamptonshire and Lancashire, taking 150+ wickets across formats.
-
England Debut (2022 vs India): At 34, he dismissed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in his first T20I, announcing himself on the big stage.
-
T20 Specialist: Known for his knuckleball, sharp bouncers, and death-over skills, making him a valuable asset in franchise leagues.
Gleeson’s journey from club cricket to the international scene is a testament to his work ethic and adaptability.
Why Did Gleeson Take So Long to Break Through?
Unlike young prodigies who rise quickly, Gleeson’s path was different:
Late Start in Professional Cricket
-
Played club and minor counties cricket before earning a county contract at 28.
-
Had to balance cricket with other jobs early in his career.
Injuries & Setbacks
-
Missed parts of seasons due to stress fractures and muscle strains.
-
Many thought his chance at international cricket had passed.
The Rise of T20 Leagues
-
The demand for skilled death bowlers in leagues like The Hundred and BBL gave him a platform.
-
His variations and experience made him a standout performer.
Gleeson’s story is a reminder that talent combined with resilience can succeed at any stage.
Gleeson’s Bowling Strengths: What Makes Him Effective?
Despite not being express pace, Gleeson has mastered the art of T20 bowling:
Deadly Knuckleball
-
One of the best in England at disguising slower balls.
-
Uses it effectively in the middle and death overs.
Accurate Bouncers
-
His height (6’3”) helps generate steep bounce, troubling batters.
-
Used well against aggressive players like Jos Buttler and Glenn Maxwell.
Smart Change of Pace
-
Rarely bowls the same speed twice in an over.
-
Forces batters to take risks, leading to mistakes.
His ability to execute under pressure has made him a go-to bowler in crunch situations.
Gleeson in Franchise Cricket: A Globetrotting T20 Star
After his England debut, Gleeson became a sought-after name in T20 leagues:
-
The Hundred (Northern Superchargers): Key death bowler.
-
Big Bash League (Melbourne Stars): Played alongside Glenn Maxwell.
-
Pakistan Super League (PSL): Impressed with his economical spells.
His performances have shown that age is just a number in T20 cricket.
Can Gleeson Play for England in the 2024 T20 World Cup?
At 36, Gleeson is in the twilight of his career, but his skills keep him in contention:
Why He Could Make the Squad:
-
England lacks experienced death bowlers in T20s.
-
His economy rate (under 8 in T20Is) is better than many younger options.
-
Provides mentorship to emerging quicks like Josh Tongue.
Challenges Ahead:
-
Competition from Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Reece Topley.
-
Needs to stay injury-free to remain in selectors’ plans.
If he maintains form, Gleeson could be a surprise pick for the World Cup.
