Brief profile of Philip Mustard by John Dobson

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Player:

P Mustard

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DateLine: 23rd April 2007

 

Originating from Gateshead, Mustard passed through the Durham feeder system right through to becoming their regular wicket keeper.

 

In 2002 he hit 75 for Durham against the touring Sri Lankan side off 77 balls while still 19 and later that summer represented England against India at U-19 level.

 

Handed his chance in 2003 he recovered from a golden duck on his first major outing against Lancashire to have a respectable season, taking revenge against Lancs with 61 off 43 balls in the Twenty20. He was named, but not finally selected, as a possible player for the England academy squad that winter.

 

2004 saw Durham revert to the more experienced Andy Pratt with the gloves. However the year in the reserves saw rich pickings for Mustard as he completed three scores in excess of 150, including one at more than run a ball against Surrey.

 

With Pratt released for 2005 Mustard took the long term position as wicketkeeper and developed a role as a big hitting number seven. 2006 saw his first championship century against Kent which contributed to a season haul of 816 first class runs. It also created C Mustard b Onions as a staple diet in cricket jokes!

 

Innings such as 67 in 33 balls against Derbyshire in the twenty20 and a first class 103 off 96 balls against Sussex in the championship have made him a powerful player for the northernmost county.

 

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
Copyright © 2007 John Dobson)