Andrew Caddick made his England debut in 1993 but it took him a while to perform consistently. After a golden summer against West Indies in 2000, he was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year. Here’s David Foot’s tribute to his comeback.
Andrew Caddick played 62 Tests for England between 1993 and 2003, picking up 234 wickets at 29.91
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Andrew Caddick’s return to favour as a Test bowler was a triumph of resilience and resolve. He defiantly answered those sceptics who made blanket judgments, questioning whether he had the stomach – or, more relevantly, the temperament – for the highest level. He justified the belief of his loyal devotees in the West Country, who had been mystified and then angered by his vulnerability as an England player.
Caddick, sensitive by nature and pained by his omission, had waited impatiently for the overdue call to come again. When it did, against New Zealand in 1999, he demonstrated that he was capable of being one of the most challenging bowlers in the world. Opinions were readjusted; former criticisms, some of which, from his demeanour and less impressive past performances, seemed partially valid, were discreetly forgotten. Often, in South Africa and then last summer against West Indies, he bowled with devastating effect. He had rectified any suggestions of flaw in line and length; his bounce was, for the batsman, more difficult than ever; he genuinely surprised many by the pace and aggression he summoned up.
Caddick’s transformation at the highest level was certainly dramatic. In the first two series of his comeback, he was England’s top wicket-taker, including Test-best figures of seven for 46 against South Africa in Durban. Last summer against West Indies he took 22 wickets at 19.18, with nothing more riveting than his five for 16 off 13 overs at Lord’s. “It has to be the highlight,” he says. Seven weeks later he bettered that return with five for 14 in 11.2 overs – four wickets in one stupendous over – as West Indies crashed in two days at Headingley.
Back in 1992, Martin Crowe, New Zealand’s captain, phoned him. “Why don’t you come home and open the bowling for us?” he asked. Even then, however, Caddick was already in spirit a county cricketer and a future bowler for the country of his parents. He was 32 last November; married to Sarah with a daughter, Ashton. On the circuit, he is considered not only an excellent bowler but also a valued craftsman off the field. He carries a screwdriver in his coffin and has a practical suggestion for anything that needs fixing. It was nearly the family plastering and tiling business for him when he left school. That would have been a real loss to cricket.
