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15th October 2008

The Wisden Cricketer County Special

Below are a few questions from the article.

What was your inspiration for the season?

It’s not about personal success. I wanted to do it so much for the young lads, like my brother Ben, and for Geoff Cook. I owe the club so much. No captain has ever questioned my commitment. It’s amusing when you hear people like Bob Willis saying Durham are punching above their weight and I would never play for England again. I was determined to get back in the England team but I wouldn’t say I was motivated by wanting to answer my critics.

What does winning the Championship mean to you?
 
The greatest pleasure was to see the joy on the young lads’ faces. Ben was the first to reach me when we celebrated the last wicket, then the others piled in and we collapsed in a heap. It’s brilliant for the club and for the region.

What have been your personal achievements?

I’ve taken over 100 wickets in all cricket. My goal was to get back in the England team and I knew if I did that it would mean I’d helped Durham. My hat-trick at Hove was special, especially as it helped us beat the reigning champions on their own ground. I love playing with Ben and the lads and, if I’m involved in selection with Geoff and Dale and Michael Di Venuto, we are always asking how we can get young Scott Borthwick in the team [Durham’s legspinner]. His talent excites me.