An attacking keeper-batsman, Phil Mustard was for a time touted as a solution to England's problems in one-day cricket. His development as a limited-overs player was rewarded with a call-up to the national side for the one-day tour of Sri Lanka in late 2007. He represented England at Under-19 level, and while initially a wicketkeeper, his batting improved considerably and he enjoyed a superb 2007 as Durham won two trophies, scoring almost 1000 first-class runs - following more than 800 in 2006 - and he starred in the final of the Friends Provident Trophy with a breezy 49.

During his time as Hampshire captain, Shane Warne rated him as the best one-day wicketkeeper-batsman in England - saying he reminded him of Adam Gilchrist. Dale Benkenstein, Durham's captain at the time, warned: "I think he has a few steps to go before he is ready for international cricket. It can also crucify you." Mustard was called up to replace the injured Matt Prior for England's one-day series against Sri Lanka in 2007. And although he kept beautifully, he failed to produce a big score. He was, though, named as back-up keeper to Prior for the subsequent Test series in Sri Lanka and again acted as understudy during the New Zealand Tests, this time to Tim Ambrose. The emergence of Craig Kieswetter appears to have put an end to his England hopes, however. When Durham captain Will Smith stepped down after a poor start to the 2010 campaign, Mustard took over as captain of the county.

A talented all-round sportsman, he was at Manchester United for two years until he was 13 and then with Middlesbrough until he was 15. He still plays football in the winter to keep fit.
Martin Williamson May 2010