Ian Bishop

Ian Bishop is an ex- West Indian cricket player who currently works as a sports commentator at various cricket tournaments. Ian Bishop hails from Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Ian was born on 24 October 1967. His full name is Ian Raphael Bishop. Just like any Trinidadian, Ian used to follow the game of cricket and decided to become a cricketer. So he joined Trinidad & Tobago’s team and began his career as a fast bowler. At that time, West Indies were one of the most intimidating squads in the world.

Apart from the explosive batting line-up which consisted of greats like Sir Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd, and Alwin Kalicharan, the seamers were equally fearsome. In fact, the opposition faced the Caribbean bowlers with the fear of any serious injury. After performing well in the local matches, the selectors picked Ian in the national team for the limited-overs fixtures in 1988.

Eventually, Ian played his debut ODI match against England on 21st May 1988. While featuring in a game against India, Krishnamachari Srikanth fractured his forearm as he got hit by a snorter from Bishop. Hence, Bishop was gradually cementing his reputation as a fiery bowler with his raw pace and out swingers. Ian’s thunderbolt bowling speed helped him to surprise batsmen, and it got him wickets too.

Next year, Ian played his first Test tie against India. Soon, Ian got praises from all around the world for his remarkable performances in the international arena. In 1989, he signed for Derbyshire, an English team and participated in the county championship for four years. In the national team, Ian and Curtly Ambrose had struck up a formidable partnership which went on to win matches. However, Ian suffered a medical setback as the doctors had diagnosed stress fractures in his vertebrae which ruled him out for nearly a year. Ian worked hard on his bowling style and tried to modify it as well.

After a year of rehabilitation, the panel chose Ian for the tour to Australia. Although experts doubted his ability to take wickets courtesy Ian’s injury, Bishop proved them wrong by finishing with the figures of six wickets in the second Test at Perth as West Indies emerged as the winner. But his back problem came to haunt him again which took Ian two years to return to the field. During the tour to England in 1995-96 season, he came in the limelight for his delivery which had injured Robin Smith’s jaw.

Bishop took his 100th Test wicket in his 21st match. Bishop did not perform up to the expectations in the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup as he could only muster three wickets in the tournament. After a string of recurring vertebrae problems, Ian announced his retirement from the game in 2000. Ian played his final Test & ODI match against England and Pakistan respectively. In spite of having a truncated career, fans continue to hail the impact of Bishop’s influence on the game. Ian and Curtly took 196 wickets together in just 23 Tests at the strike rate of 47 balls.

Sir Michael Holding was Ian’s cricketing idol. Ian considered education on a serious note as he has an MBA degree to his name. Ian is a devout Christian, and he admitted to having prayed to God when the doctors informed him about his stress fractures. Ian acknowledged Dennis Lillee’s role in the redevelopment of his action when he was recovering. Afterretiring, Ian is serving as a commentator. He is 6 feet 5 inches tall, and his nickname is Bish.