One of many South Africans who has followed the well-trodden path into county cricket, Neil Carter's story is an encouraging tale of enthusiasm and determination defying logic and pragmatism. Told he was no longer required by Warwickshire in September 2004, six years later he found himself leading the county's attack and forging a reputation as one of the most useful allround cricketers on the circuit.

After the initial loss of his contract in 2004, rather underlining the sense that Carter has not always been as appreciated as he might be, Warwickshire released him again at the end of 2007. They reasoned that his best days were behind him and that he would struggle to maintain form and fitness. But he fought his way from the brink of cricketing oblivion to reinvent himself as a skillful bowler and highly-effective batsman and, having passed 100 first-class appearances and approaching 300 wickets, it's not looking like such a bad career move.

Now, in his mid-30s, he is bowling better than ever and key to his improvement is his recently acquired ability to swing the ball. After starting his career as a tearaway fast bowler, he is now a model of discipline. He is also capable of destructive batting, and is often used at the top of the order in one-day cricket.
Andrew McGlashan & George Dobell August 2010