Cricket: The Atherton years

1989 England debut against Australia at Trent Bridge.

1990 First Test century against New Zealand.

1993 Appointed England captain for fifth Test against Australia. Secures first Test win as captain in sixth Test at the Oval.

1994 Accused of ball tampering at Lord's against South Africa. Subsequently fined pounds 1,000 by England management.

1997 Elects to continue as captain despite calls for him to resign following Test series defeat against Australia.

His record as captain

Won 13, lost 19, drawn 20

Completed series: 1994 West Indies (away) lost 1-3; New Zealand (home) won 1-0; South Africa (home) drew 1-1. 1994-95 Australia (away) lost 3-1. 1995 West Indies (home) drew 2-2. 1995-96 South Africa (away) lost 1-0. 1996 India (home) won 1-0; Pakistan (home) lost 2-0. 1996-97 Zimbabwe (away) drew 0-0. 1997 New Zealand (away) won 2-0; Australia (home) lost 3-2. 1998 West Indies (away) lost 3-1.