Mark Butcher is an English cricket commentator and former Test cricketer. He played county cricket for Surrey from 1992 until his retirement in 2009. As a left-handed batsman and occasional bowler, he made a significant impact on the game.
After retiring, Butcher pursued music, becoming a skilled guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. His work has garnered praise from fans and critics alike, including Eric Clapton. He blends his love for music with his sports expertise, creating a unique artistic identity. His albums, "Songs From The Sun House," "Now Playing," and "Always Somewhere," showcase his songwriting talent.
Butcher is recognised as one of the prominent county cricket players of the 1990s and 2000s. He debuted in 1992 and quickly established himself with a First-Class batting average of 40.70%. In 2010, he received an Honorary Life Membership from the Marylebone Cricket Club.
His Test career began in 1997 at Edgbaston, where he played 71 matches over seven years, averaging over 34 and scoring eight centuries. He made a strong impression during the Ashes Series against Australia and performed well against South Africa.
Coached by his father, former cricketer Alan Butcher, he became a respected pundit, primarily for Sky Sports and on the radio programme Test Match Special. His consistent performances at Surrey led to his selection for the national team, where he remained a key player for nearly a decade.