Richard Gleeson

Richard Gleeson is a late bloomer in international cricket whose journey is built on persistence, hard work, and raw pace. The right-arm fast-medium bowler from Blackpool earned recognition through county cricket with Northamptonshire and Lancashire, steadily developing into a reliable T20 specialist known for hitting hard lengths and generating sharp bounce. His rise to the England setup in his mid-30s became one of the more inspiring stories in modern cricket, proving that opportunities can arrive at any stage of a player’s career.

Gleeson announced himself on the international stage in dramatic fashion during his T20I debut against India in 2022, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant in a sensational spell at Edgbaston. That performance immediately highlighted his ability to trouble top-quality batters with pace, accuracy, and clever variations. Despite making his England debut relatively late, Gleeson quickly built a reputation as a fearless bowler who thrives under pressure and adapts well to high-intensity T20 cricket.

Over the years, Gleeson has become a sought-after name across franchise leagues around the world, featuring in tournaments such as the IPL, SA20, The Hundred, and ILT20. His experience, composure, and ability to deliver breakthroughs in the middle and death overs make him a valuable asset in the shortest format. While injuries have occasionally interrupted his momentum, Gleeson’s resilience and professionalism continue to stand out, and his journey remains an example of determination paying off at the highest level.