5 Indian-born players who represented England cricket team

In the history of cricket, a large number of players have represented different national teams in contrast to their origin of birth. Besides, some players featured for two different International teams.

In particular, England had provided the opportunity for a large number of players (of different origin) to represent their International cricket team. Even the present England limited-overs captain, Eoin Morgan, had his roots in Ireland. In fact, he served the Ireland cricket team before he opted to play for England.

With the England-India series currently underway, let us look at five Indian-born players who had represented England cricket team.

#5 Colin Cowdrey

Cowdrey scored 22 Test tons for England

Cowdrey, the former England batting legend, was born in India on Dec 24, 1932. Though he was born in Ootacamund (Ooty), his birthplace was usually misreported as Bangalore.

Colin Cowdrey was the first cricketer in the history of cricket to play 100 Test matches. Cowdrey played a total of 114 Test matches and a solitary ODI for England. Colin was the third leading century-maker for England in Test cricket with 22 tons alongside Wally Hammond.

After his retirement, he became the President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 1986. Later, he served the role of Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 1989–1993. He breathed his last on Dec 4, 2000.

#4 Vikram Solanki

Solanki failed to prove his credentials in the International circuit

Vikram Solanki was born in Rajasthan, India on April 1, 1976. When he was eight, his family moved to Wolverhampton.

Solanki had represented England in 51 ODIs and 3 T20Is. Though he had scored tons of runs in domestic cricket, he could not replicate that success in the International circuit. However, he is the proud record-holder for being the first ‘Supersub’ in the history of cricket.

In Sep 2015, Solanki announced his retirement from the game. In Feb 2018, Surrey appointed the former England opener as their ‘Deputy Head Coach.’

#3 Robin Jackman

Jackman's voice is famous among the cricketing fraternity

Robin Jackman, the famous ‘commentator’ is renowned for his mike skills than his cricketing skills. Jackman had his origin in India, as he was born in Simla, Punjab on Aug 13, 1945.

Though Jackman had a very limited International career, he had a very successful domestic career. He scalped a fantastic tally of 1402 wickets from 399 First-class games. Upon his retirement, he continued his association with the game as a commentator. Everyone loves his voice in the ‘SuperSport’ cricket commentary panel.

On Nov 2012, Jackman was diagnosed with cancer. Currently, he is undergoing treatment.

#2 Bob Woolmer

Woolmer passed away in the middle of the 2007 ICC World Cup

Bob Woolmer, the former Pakistan coach, was born in Kanpur, India on May 14, 1948. His coaching brains and skills were more famous than his cricketing skills.

Woolmer played a little 19 Tests and 6 ODIs for England. However, he had enough cricketing knowledge to coach an International cricket team, as he had played 350 First-class and 290 List A games.

He had coaching stints with two major International teams, South Africa and Pakistan. During his tenure with Pakistan, he was found dead in his hotel room on March 18, 2007. His death came in the middle of the ICC 2007 World Cup.

#1 Nasser Hussain

Hussain is currently enjoying his role as a 'commentator'

Nasser Hussain, the former legendary England captain, was born in Madras (now Chennai) on March 28, 1968. His family moved to England in 1975.

Hussain, who captained the England cricket team for 45 Test matches, is highly regarded as one of the best captains in the history of England Test cricket. He played a total of 96 Tests and 88 ODIs for England.

Upon his retirement, he donned the role of ‘commentator.’ He never hides his opinion as opposed to other former players. He will be the first player to voice against England whenever the team fails in Test format.