Gary Brent

Gary Brent Biography

Gary Brent, a Zimbabwe Cricketer, was born on 13th January 1976 in Sinoia, Mashonaland. He is a right arm fast medium bowler and right handed lower order batsman. He played for Zimbabwe and Mashonaland.

Background

In the 1994-95 season, he made his first-class debut for Mashonaland and became famous for his in-swinging deliveries and slower balls. He had two successful seasons for Mashonaland before getting his maiden call up for the National team.

Next year he made his List A debut for Mashonaland during the 1995-96 season.

Debut

Brent made his ODI debut for Zimbabwe against Pakistan in October 1996 at Quetta. He bowled 5 overs and conceded 29 runs without picking any wicket. Pakistan won the match by 3 wickets.

Brent made his Test debut for Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka in November 1999 at Bulawayo. Brent picked up 2 wickets in the 1st innings and the match ended in a draw.

Brent made his T20I debut for Zimbabwe against Bangladesh in 2006 at Khulna. Brent picked up 2 wickets in the match conceding 40 runs in 4 overs.

Rise to Glory

Brent, after playing in the Test series in Pakistan remained a fringe player for Zimbabwe for 7 years. He failed to make it into the 2003 World Cup but was later picked up for the Natwest series in England.

In the 2006-07 season he was picked to play in the 2006-07 Champions Trophy as a replacement for Terrence Duffin. He played just 1 match and picked up 1 wicket.

In his return to the National team he picked up 19 wickets in the first season at an average of 20.31. He also took up the role as a batsman to help the team with his explosive batting and his ability to score quick runs.

Brent played a vital role in Zimbabwe’s shock win over Australia in the 2007 T20 World Cup. He ended with the figures of 2/19 in 4 overs.

Low Points

He was one among the 15 players who were dismissed by the Zimbabwe board for rebelling against them. Even though he had performed well in the later part of his career he could not cement his place in the team. He was constantly in and out of the team for his poor performances.

Club Career

Brent represented Mashonaland from 1994 till 1999. He joined the Mashonaland Northerns in the 2004 season after having a year-long stint with the Mashonaland Southerns.

Retirement

In 2008, Brent issued a notice to Zimbabwe Cricket Board that he wants his contract terminated as he wanted to pursue his career as a coach in England. The board accepted his request thereby ending his International career. Brent is currently working as a coach in York Cricket Academy, York.