Makes first-class debut against Cambridge University at Fenner’s, taking first two first-class wickets in Cambridge’s second innings.

Makes one-day debut against Kent at Canterbury and makes Championship debut against Nottinghamshire at Worksop, hitting 35 and 4 not out as well as taking one wicket.

Helps England to Under-19 World Cup, taking two wickets in the final against New Zealand.

Sustains back injury that requires surgery in September 1999 and restricts progress during 1999 and 2000 seasons.

Hits maiden first-class century against Cambridge University Centre of Cricketing Excellence at Fenner’s: 104 off 82 balls (13 x 4, 2 x 6).

Hits 59 off 63 balls against touring Australians at Chelmsford, including 10 x 4 and 2 x 6.

Takes 6-29 against Worcestershire at Chelmsford in one-day league match: his best figures in limited-overs cricket.

Appears in first Lord’s final against Warwickshire in Benson and Hedges Cup, hitting Shaun Pollock for six: Essex’s only six in their innings.

Takes 5-66 against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge: his maiden five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.

Represents England on ‘A’ tour of India.

Hits maiden Championship century against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge: 106 not out off 85 balls (14 x 4, 3 x 6).

Wins NatWest Pro40 title with Essex: his first major silverware.

Wins NatWest Pro40 title with Essex for second, successive season.

Hits another quickfire Championship century against Nottinghamshire at Chelmsford, finishing with 125 off 101 balls (11 x 4, 8 x 6).

Hits 152 not out off 58 balls against Sussex at Chelmsford in the Twenty20 Cup – the highest score in English domestic T20 cricket and the most sixes (16) in a T20 innings.

Helps Essex to Friends Provident Trophy final victory over Kent.

Represents England Lions in New Zealand.

Makes Indian Premier League debut for Mumbai Indians.

Named in England’s squad for the World Twenty20 in England but does not play a match.

Becomes leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 cricket during State Twenty20 competition in New Zealand.

Takes hat-trick in 40-over match against Glamorgan at Cardiff and Napier’s third Championship century sees him strike 16 sixes in his 196 (off 130 balls) against Surrey at Guildford: equalling the record for sixes hit in a first-class innings.

Takes 6-53 against Surrey in the Championship at Chelmsford: his best figures in first-class cricket.