Murray Goodwin is a diminutive and sometimes destructive player who can bat anywhere in the top four. His formative years were spent on the bouncy WACA wickets in Perth, and left him a predominantly back-foot player who cuts and pulls the pace men with impunity. His light feet and willingness to use them make him equally adept against spin, and he is quick and alert in the field. Goodwin was born in Rhodesia, where he returned after his family had emigrated to Australia while he was still a youngster. But his wife could not settle in Zimbabwe, and Goodwin went back to Australia after the England tour of 2000, thus renouncing the chance to play Test cricket. Goodwin, who was popular with his team-mates, missed the chance to become one of Zimbabwe's great batsmen. In the meantime he made a name for himself at Sussex. After a prolific season in 2001, he became an instant legend two years later, when he scored a club-record 335 not out against Leicestershire to seal Sussex's first Championship title in their 164-year history. He has since been involved in the success in the C & G Trophy final of 2006. At Western Australia he has enjoyed some big-scoring years, including 1183 in 2003-04 and 840 the following summer, and moved into the top 15 on the state's domestic first-class run list. He joined the ICL in its second season, played eight games for Ahmedabad Rockets, before quitting the league to commit to Sussex.
Geoffrey Dean June 2009