Births on April 19

James Hibberd, English cricketer

James Hibberd, born on April 19, 1981, in the historic city of Southampton, Hampshire, was an English cricketer whose career saw him contribute to the minor county circuit. Primarily a right-handed batsman, Hibberd also offered a useful bowling option with his medium-fast pace, making him a versatile asset on the field.

Early Cricket Journey and Minor County Engagements

Hibberd's entry into competitive cricket began with the Hampshire Cricket Board. He made his debut in the 38-County Cup during the 2000 season, an important competition for England's minor counties. His very first match was against Dorset, where he quickly showcased his batting potential. Across his three appearances in that particular competition, Hibberd managed a commendable top score of 24 runs, giving an early glimpse of his capabilities with the bat.

A Unique List A Debut for Hampshire Cricket Board

A significant moment in Hibberd's career came in 2001 when he made a singular List A appearance for the Hampshire Cricket Board. This match, part of the prestigious Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy, saw them face the Kent Cricket Board. List A cricket holds a specific status in the cricketing world, denoting official limited-overs matches, typically between first-class counties or their equivalents. This particular encounter, however, was far from typical. After the first day was washed out by rain, forcing an extension into a second day, the match still couldn't reach a conventional conclusion. In a rare and exciting twist, the outcome had to be decided by a "bowl-out"—a tie-breaking method where players bowl at an unguarded set of stumps, similar to a penalty shootout in football. In this unique scenario, Hibberd did not have the opportunity to either bat or bowl, a rather unusual way to mark a List A debut.

Transition to Wiltshire and Further List A Appearances

Following his time with the Hampshire Cricket Board, Hibberd later made the move to Wiltshire, another of England's minor counties. He continued his involvement in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy, making three appearances for his new side. His debut for Wiltshire came in August 2002, ironically against his former team, the Hampshire Cricket Board. Hibberd's final List A match took place in the 2005 edition of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy, where Wiltshire faced Kent.

A Notable Performance Beyond List A Cricket

While his List A career concluded in 2005, Hibberd also delivered a standout performance in what appears to be a club or developmental match for a Hampshire 1st XI. In a fixture against Cardiff University, he demonstrated his all-round skills, achieving an impressive bowling return of 7 wickets for 97 runs. Not content with just a significant bowling effort, he also contributed effectively with the bat, scoring 33 runs in the same match, highlighting his dual threat on the cricket field.

Statistical Overview of a Dedicated Cricketer

Throughout his four List A appearances, James Hibberd's statistics paint a clear picture of his contributions. As a batsman, he scored 27 runs across three innings, with his highest individual score being 26 runs, remarkably achieved in his very first List A innings. With the ball, he bowled a total of 25 overs, securing 7 wickets while conceding 80 runs. His best bowling performance was an impressive 4 wickets for 48 runs, a feat he accomplished in his List A bowling debut, showcasing his immediate impact in that format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When and where was James Hibberd born?

James Hibberd was born on April 19, 1981, in Southampton, Hampshire, England.

What was James Hibberd's primary role in cricket?

He was a right-handed batsman who also bowled medium-fast, making him an all-rounder.

For which teams did James Hibberd play List A cricket?

He played List A cricket for the Hampshire Cricket Board and Wiltshire, both minor counties.

What was unique about his List A debut for Hampshire Cricket Board?

His List A debut in the 2001 Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy against Kent Cricket Board was decided by a "bowl-out" after rain prevented a conventional finish, meaning he did not get to bat or bowl in that specific match.

What were his best batting and bowling performances in List A cricket?

In List A matches, his highest score was 26 runs in his first innings. His best bowling figures were 4 wickets for 48 runs, achieved in his List A bowling debut.

Did James Hibberd have any other notable performances outside of List A cricket?

Yes, in a match for a Hampshire 1st XI against Cardiff University, he took 7 wickets for 97 runs and scored 33 runs with the bat.