James Whitaker was a member of England's Ashes-winning side in 1986-87. He made his one appearance at Adelaide, when Ian Botham was injured, and managed 11 before falling to Bruce Reid. With David Gower and Phil DeFreitas also playing, England included three Leicestershire players for the first time. He made the trip on the back of 1526 runs at 66.34 in 1986 - despite having bones broken in both hands by Malcolm Marshall during the summer. Whitaker remained a one-club man, and led Leicester to the County Championship in 1996 and 1998. After being forced to retire with a leg injury he had a spell as general manager at Grace Road before taking on the role of director of cricket. His 22-year association with the club ended in 2005 when they announced a new coaching structure and Whitaker left his director post. Three years later, however, he was give a part-time selectorial role with England under Geoff Miller, who was named David Graveney's successor in January 2008.
Martin Williamson January 2008