Gary Butcher makes his mark

The Butchers of Surrey and Glamorgan are one of the more illustrious modern cricket familiesmaybe not quite up with the Graces, the Headleys or the Chappells, but with father Alan representing England, Glamorgan, and Surrey, his brother also playing first-class cricket, and son Mark opening the batting for England and Surrey, they have a distinguished record.

Perhaps the least well known, until today, is Gary, Alan's son, and Mark's younger brother. Debuting with Glamorgan in 1994, he failed to establish himself with the county, and moved to Surrey in 1999. He played just 5 championship matches, with moderate success. He had been unable to break into the powerful Surrey line-up this season until given the chance today against Derby. He made his mark in the most sensational manner.

Coming on to bowl second change, he picked up the wicket of Bailey lbw, and in his 6th over had taken 1 for 18. From the final ball of his 7th over he had Aldred caught by his brother. Off the first ball of his 8th over, Munton fell first ball, caught by Bicknell, and amongst scenes of considerable excitement, he completed a hat-trick by inducing a catch to the same fielder from the next ball. From the third ball, Wharton was trapped lbw, and Butcher had taken four wickets in four balls, a feat last performed by Kevin James for Hampshire in 1996. He is still in a position to achieve the unprecedented five wickets in five balls, when he bowls in Derby's second innings.