Zafar Ansari

Country: England
Born: December 10, 1991, Ascot, Berkshire
Batting Style: Left hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left arm Orthodox
Playing role: Allrounder

Zafar Ansari Bio

Zafar Shahaan Ansari, the former English cricketer, was not just a cricketer but also a man with a vision and diverse interests that went beyond the sport. Born on December 25, 1991, in Englefield Green, Surrey, Ansari brought his unique blend of intelligence and talent to the cricketing world.

Right from his early days, Ansari had displayed a natural affinity towards the sport. However, he didn’t let his passion for cricket define him entirely. Instead, he believed that cricket was just a part of his life, not the sole purpose of his existence. This perspective set him apart from many other professional cricketers who often devoted their entire lives to the sport.

Ansari’s cricketing career took an interesting turn when he was called up by the English national team for the winter Test tours of Bangladesh and India in 2016. Despite not being a big turner of the ball, he utilized his cerebral left-arm slows to good effect on his Test debut in Chittagong. This opportunity was a testament to England’s shortage of spinners with proven pedigree, and Ansari seized the chance to make a mark.

However, cricket wasn’t all that Ansari had in his bag of talents. He was a multi-faceted individual known for his skills in music and academia. Ansari excelled in school and went on to achieve a double-first at Cambridge University, emphasizing the importance of education alongside his cricketing aspirations. His dedication and commitment to both spheres of life demonstrated his ability to balance his passions.

Ansari’s prowess as an all-rounder emerged during his time with the Surrey County Cricket Club. After making his first-team debut in the CB40 in 2010, he signed a full contract with the club before the 2011 season. His notable performances for Surrey, such as dismissing Kevin Pietersen during a match against Cambridge University, quickly caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts and selectors alike.

Despite facing setbacks in the form of injuries, Ansari’s determination remained unwavering. In 2015, he made his England One Day International debut in a match against Ireland. However, a badly broken thumb prevented him from making his Test debut against Pakistan in the UAE later that year. Ansari underwent surgery and fought his way back, eventually earning a spot in England’s Test squad for the tour of Bangladesh in 2016.

With his resourcefulness, tight bowling, and solid batting, Ansari showcased his abilities as a cricketer of unusual maturity. He had been touted as a future Surrey captain, highlighting his leadership qualities and cricketing acumen. However, in a surprising decision, Ansari decided to retire from professional cricket in 2017, just a few months after his Test debut. He realized that there were more things he wanted to pursue in life beyond the boundaries of the cricket field.

Zafar Shahaan Ansari’s journey in cricket was an impressive one. His dedication, intelligence, and versatility made him stand out among his peers. While his retirement may have raised a few eyebrows, it symbolized his refusal to be defined solely by one aspect of his life. Ansari’s bio serves as a reminder that athletes can have ambitions and dreams that extend beyond the confines of their sport.

Zafar Ansari Career Stats

Zafar Ansari Batting Stats

Batting Matches Innings Nos Runs High Score Ave BF SR 100s 50s 4s 6s Ct St
Tests 3 5 0 49 32 9.8 136 36.02 0 0 5 0 1 0
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs 1 - - - - - - - - - - - 0 0
FC 71 116 15 3009 112 29.79 8201 36.69 3 15 340 4 31 0
List A 42 36 12 819 66* 34.12 899 91.1 0 4 44 13 21 0
T20s 69 51 23 768 67* 27.42 644 119.25 0 1 51 18 16 0

Zafar Ansari Bowling Stats

Bowling Matches Innings Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10w
Tests 3 5 408 275 5 2/76 3/118 55 4.04 81.6 0 0 0
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs 1 - - - - - - - - - - - -
FC 71 99 8843 4592 128 6/30 8/236 35.87 3.11 69 6 6 0
List A 42 37 1289 1215 38 4/42 4/42 31.97 5.65 33.9 2 0 0
T20s 69 59 948 1215 39 3/17 3/17 31.15 7.68 24.3 0 0 0

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