Darren Stevens

Some say age is just a number, and that definitely proved to be the case for 45-year-old cricketer Darren Stevens.  The old warhorse has taken almost 250 first-class wickets since turning 40, and has been a veteran in County cricket for so long.

A John College graduate, Stevens arrived at the domestic stage in 1997 and has made a name for himself in other T20 franchise cricket around the world as well.

Stevens's story epitomises the love players have for the sport regardless of the level at which they play it. Stevens made his debut in county cricket in 1997 and has been playing the sport despite not getting an opportunity to play at the highest level. He rose to prominence 

After debuting for Leceisetershire, he went on to feature in just 4 championships until 1999 and marked his arrival with a brilliant 130 against Sussex. The 45-year old made a dream day for Kent in their County Championship match against Glamorgan in 2021. Stevens hit a record-breaking 190 in just 149 balls as he rescued Kent from 128 for 8 to help them post 307 and dismissed the star Aussie Marnus Labuschagne. 

Steven’s future with Kent, according to ESPN, was uncertain in 2019 as he was told by the club that they would not renew his contract. The all-rounder did not give up as he hit a career-best 237 off 225 balls and picked up 7 wickets in their penultimate match of the year. The all-round effort made Kent rethink their decision and award him a one-year contract extension which got extended up till 2021.

(As of June 2021)