Matthew Whiley, English cricketer

Matthew Jeffrey Allen Whiley, born on May 6, 1980, is an individual remembered for his professional cricket career in England. Hailing from Nottingham, Whiley was a versatile cricketer on the field, primarily known as a right-handed batsman who offered a valuable dimension to his teams with his left-arm fast-medium bowling. This combination of skills often makes players highly sought after in county cricket, providing depth in both batting and bowling departments.His first-class career spanned five years, during which he represented two prominent English counties: Nottinghamshire, his home county, and Leicestershire. Whiley's early promise was evident as he notably featured in one Youth Test match, an early indicator of a player's potential at the international youth level. He made his official County Championship debut in the 1998 season with Nottinghamshire. However, like many aspiring professionals, much of his early development between 1998 and 2001 was spent honing his skills and gaining experience with the county's second XI, patiently working towards a regular first-team spot.A significant turning point in Whiley's career came in April 2001 when he began to feature more consistently for Leicestershire. This move coincided with an exciting period for the club, as they had just been promoted from Division Two of the County Championship the season prior. Joining a team on the ascendant likely offered more opportunities for first-team cricket, allowing Whiley to establish himself at the highest domestic level. He remained a part of Leicestershire's first team until the 2003 season. Unfortunately, that year saw Leicestershire relegated from Division One, a setback that often triggers significant squad changes. The club subsequently underwent a "mass-clearout" of players, a common consequence of relegation as teams look to rebuild, which ultimately marked the end of Whiley's first-class career. Throughout his time with both Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, Whiley predominantly batted as a tail-ender, meaning his primary contribution was typically with the ball, while his batting offered supplementary runs from the lower order.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew Whiley

What was Matthew Whiley's primary role as a cricketer?
Matthew Whiley was a right-handed batsman who bowled left-arm fast-medium. While he batted in the tail-end, his bowling was a significant part of his contribution to his teams.
Which county teams did Matthew Whiley play for?
He played for two English county teams during his first-class career: Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
When did Matthew Whiley make his first-class debut?
He made his County Championship debut in the 1998 season while representing Nottinghamshire.
What led to the conclusion of his first-class career?
His first-class career concluded after the 2003 season, following Leicestershire's relegation from Division One of the County Championship and a subsequent mass-clearout of players as the club restructured.
What is a "Youth Test match" in cricket?
A Youth Test match typically refers to a multi-day international match played between national under-19 cricket teams, serving as a significant platform for young, talented players to gain experience at a high level and potentially progress to senior international cricket.