The first thing one remembers about Gatting is that ill-fated reverse sweep off Allan Border that cost England the 1987 WC.

A great FC record did not translate itself into heaps of runs at international level for Gatting. It took several years for him to establish himself in the England Test team and it was not until his 54th Test innings that he managed to score a Test century. In what turned to be a highly controversial career, Gatting did manage 10 international Test centuries with a best of 207 against India in Chennai.

Gatting also led England to a historic Ashes victory over Australia in their own land in 1986-87. Gatting is also remembered for his infamous spat with Shakoor Rana - the Pakistan umpire during their tour in 1987. The cricketing world reacted in shock and although the English board continued to support Gatting and his men- the die had been cast. Gatting later repented his actions during the controversy and stated that it was not his proudest moment in his career.

Gatting was sacked as the Test captain after he was involved in an alleged sexual encounter with a bar-maid. Stripped of his captaincy, he then led a rebel tour of South Africa. Gatting made a comeback into the England team after a 4 year hiatus during the watershed tour of India which England lost 3-0. He was to be a part of cricketing folklore during the 1993 Ashes. The 1st ball of Warne's Ashes summer pitched well outside leg and spun past Gatting's bat to disturb his stumps. This ball became famous as the 'Ball of the Century'.

Gatting wound up a great career after the 1994 Ashes in Australia. He was named as one of Wisden's five Cricketers of the Year in 1984. In 1987, he was awarded an OBE.

In 2013, Gatting was named the President of Marylebone Cricket Club.

By Pradeep Krishnamurthy