Tim Hancock

Tim Hancock, born in Reading, was a talented opening batsman that enjoyed a 15-year career with Gloucestershire and was part of the most successful period in the club's history when they dominated one-day cricket at the turn of the century. On retiring from the first-class game in 2005 - his benefit season - Hancock went on to play two seasons for Shropshire Minor Counties and worked for Gloucestershire Crcket Board.

Technically, Hancock was a fairly accomplished batsman. He moved into position early, and was comfortable on the back foot and driving through the leg-side. He was naturally aggressive, and tried to dominate the bowling. But lapses of concentration cost him dear though, and he often got to 50 and played an altogether over-ambitious stroke to lead to his downfall.

Tremendously committed, Hancock was a fine outfielder and a decent occasional bowler. He was a thoroughly useful person to have on the field and a natural leader - serving as Gloucestershire vice-captain.

He made his first-class debut against West Indians at Bristol in 1991 and established himself in the first XI the following season. He became a steady performer in the County Championship, often averaging around the 30 mark. His best summer came in 1998 when he made over a thousand runs in a season for the only time. 220 not out in the final match of the season was his highest first-class score and handed Gloucestershire their 11th win of the campaign, but it was not enough to secure a maiden title, despite winning as many games as champions Surrey.

But it is in one-day cricket that Hancock will be best remembered, although calls for him to be selected for the England one-day side were always optimistic. He was part of the Gloucestershire side that won seven trophies in six seasons between 1999 and 2004. Hancock made 74 in the "cider final" against Somerset in 1999 and 60 the following season as the Benson and Hedges Cup was retained against Glamorgan.

His career took a dip following a broken hand in 2001 and Hancock struggled to regain his best form, although returned to Lord's with Gloucestershire in 2004 as Worcestershire were defeated in the C&G Trophy final.
Sean Beynon and ESPNcricinfo staff