Alec is a fine player of impeccable pedigree. He is an enterprising opening batsman who has played some major innings for England since his debut in 1989. He is an excellent wicket keeper. In 1995, a persistent finger injury caused him problems and had a poor tour of south Africa , where he acted as vice-captain. After an excellent tour of the West Indies in 1997-98, he was appointed England captain and led England to a home series victory over South Africa, but after defeat in Australia, and a personal loss of batting form coinciding with England’s poor World-Cup showing, lost the job in June1999.