Nick Browne's 206 breaks Mike Gatting's record in Australia
Thursday 26 November 2015 14:44, UK
Nottinghamshire's Alex Hales looks set to open alongside Alastair Cook in England's Test series against South Africa this winter but could he face stiff competition in the future from a left-hander from Cook's own neck of the woods?
Here's what you need to know about Nick Browne…
Age: 24
Born: Leytonstone, Essex
Twitter: @NickBrowne4
Highest first-class score: 151 not out
Why's he in the news?
Browne is the first English cricketer to score a double century in the Sydney First Grade competition - his 206 for Mosman at Allan Border Oval against Sydney University breaking the previous best of 194 by former England captain Mike Gatting for Balmain against Central Cumberland, some 36 years earlier.
How did he go last season?
Pretty well by all accounts. Browne was denied the chance to bat against the touring Australians earlier this summer when he hurt his finger taking a catch to remove Mitchell Starc but still notched five centuries in division two of the County Championship, finishing fourth in the Essex county batting averages with 1,157 runs at 42.85. Rich rewards after receiving his county cap in July.
What's his top score?
Browne hit a career-best 151 not out against Leicestershire at Grace Road in September to pave the way for the visitors' five-wicket victory. The innings took him past 1,000 championship runs for the season - making him the first Essex player to achieve the feat since Ravi Bopara in 2008.
Impressive. Any accolades?
Unsurprisingly he hoovered up at Essex's end of season awards claiming Batsman of the Year, the Players' Player award and the Player of the Year. As yet, though, Browne has yet to win England recognition and was overlooked for the England Lions squad this winter.
Anything else?
Browne has played club cricket for South Woodford in the Essex leagues his whole life, playing men's cricket as early as nine-years-old. He played junior rugby for Woodford Rugby Club, and the Arsenal fan also fancies himself a decent footballer. Although deployed in midfield, any comparisons between him and Bobby Charlton are usually due to his lack of hair, with team-mates at South Woodford calling him Trotty, for the same reason.
