Player Profiles 9 of 20

9. Matt Doran


Matt Doran

Player Statistics

Already better than everyone else despite being essentially a fetus, so therefore of course most irritating man at the club. Most of us bat like Monty Panesar and bowl like David Gower, but Matt actually manages to get this combination the right way round. Only noticeable achilles heel is dodgy knees, if that isn't a contradiction in terms, which has led to him challenging Tanker, Ginge and Beaker as worst runner at the club. With time on his side it seems only a matter of time before he manages to claim this title outright, with a collection of hilarious greatest hits already impressive for someone so young. After a year learning his trade in the 4ths, he barely played a dozen games in the 2's and 3's combined as he skyrocketed up to Premier League cricket and promptly won Young Player of the Year.

Describe yourself in one word.
Underage

How long have you played for Bentley CC?
Since I was 8...played my first game two weeks after joining

Fantasy tea (2 x sandwiches, 1 x savoury, 1 x cake, 1 x wildcard)
Cheese and Ham, Chicken Tikka. Pizza. Chocolate Fudge Cake. Doughnuts

If you could share a century partnership with any cricketer from history, who would it be?
Dell Boy because he would play a majestic innings and I’d love to be a part of that.
But seriously Kumar Sangakkara because it would be great to watch and I would have the best view

What’s the best thing about playing for Bentley CC?
Socialising and the fact that it doesn’t matter what team you’re in. They all matter.

Who would play you in a film of your life?
Usain Bolt because he would be the only one who could fully represent my speed between the wickets

Whats your earliest memory of Bentley CC?
Arriving age 8 and being thrown straight into the u11’s.

Whats the best shot you ever played? What's the best ball you've bowled?
2nd ball 6 in u13 Peter Coe against Loughton over mid wicket... and an in-swinging arm ball against Little Baddow that bowled the batsman middle stump

The best thing I can cook is… Fish Fingers and Chips

Who do you travel to away games with and why?
Anyone who can drive...because I’m young and I’ve got no choice

Whats the funniest thing you have ever seen on a cricket field?
Every time my Dad plays it’s pretty funny

Whats been your biggest cricketing disappointment?
Getting caught on the boundary on 98 for district.
If he hadn’t caught it, it would’ve gone for 6. Would have been my 100 and won the game, but no!

Sachin, Ponting, Lara or Kallis - who is the greatest?
Lara. Being able to hit the same ball in pretty much every direction. Would never get old watching him bat.

Any superstitions?
Always have to spin the ball with my right hand into my left before I bowl every ball. If I don’t its probably not going to be a good one.

What is your dream house?
Any house will do

If a ball gets teed up in the air, who is the Bentley player you want to see under it?
Steve Coleman (finally someone gets the correct answer to this question)

Fantasy 3 man slip corden to get you through a 90 over day (living or dead)
Joe Root, Michael Mcintyre, Phil Tufnell...get to watch him drop it a lot

Whats your fancy dress costume of choice?
Arab...so that I can get into clubs and use my fake name Dorani

Describe your Bentley career in three words
More to come

What is your dream job?
International cricketer