Yet such recognition has been a long time in the making for a cricketer who has always had the potential to thrill a crowd with either bat or ball.

And because Graham has been preparing for this breakthrough for such a long time he is now able to take the plaudits in his stride where many may have become sidetracked by such new-found fame.

Since his 152 not out in the Twenty20 Cup against Sussex Sharks, life has been just that little bit different for the Colchester-born cricketer, such is the clamour for the attention of a much sought-after individual.

Yet it could never be said that fame and possible fortune has gone to Graham’s head where it may have corrupted others.  

On the night of his Chelmsford six-hitting exploits the first thought of the all-rounder was to ensure every newly acquired fan who wanted his autograph or photograph would be satisfied before fulfilling any of his other duties.

That personal touch has carried on throughout the succession of man-of-the-match displays at The Ford County Ground – seemingly always in front of the television cameras – that has lifted him to the verge of recognition on a grander stage.  



A Little History
When he was part of the England squad that won the Under-19 World Cup 1998 it seemed further international honours were just around the corner. Although it took him a while to establish himself as a regular in the Essex side it appeared this natural progression was running its course when his performances during the 2003 season – when he equaled the highest number of wickets taken by an Essex player in a one-day league campaign with 33 victims - earned him a place on the ECB Academy squad to train at Loughborough and tour India early the following year.  

There was further cheer in 2004 was he was named in England’s provisional 30-man squad for the Champions Trophy and he ended the domestic campaign with his maiden Championship century against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. 
    
Unfortunately injuries hampered his progress in 2005 and 2006, removing him from the England radar for the duration. Graham’s revival began in 2007 when he achieved his first Championship century at Essex’s Ford County Ground headquarters – 125 against Nottinghamshire in July.

A winter of self-discovery and professional development then followed as he first walked to Everest Base Camp to raise money for the PCA Benevolent Fund before heading off to New Zealand. During a long stay in the Antipodes, Graham sated his passion for traveling, photography and fishing as well as taking significant strides as a cricketer. Having gone to Wellington as a club player he ended it turning out for their state side in one-day cricket -  serving notice of what was to come with some explosive innings during their Twenty20 campaign.

After progressing through the ranks at Essex, Graham’s heart is very much with his county of birth yet his sights are rightly set on following in the footsteps of a number of his team-mates into the international arena.
For sure, there are exciting times ahead for Graham Napier.



Factfile
Essex Squad Number: 17

Born: Colchester, 6 January 1980

Role: Right-hand batsman/Right-arm fast-medium bowler

Essex First-Team Debut: 1997

County Cap: 2003

Honours: Under-19 World Cup in 1998 with England, totesport League in 2005 and 2006 with Essex

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