It doesn’t require much research of the Essex all-rounder’s career to realise he has been one of the English domestic game’s great entertainers over the last decade. Each of his four first-class centuries have been made at considerably better than a run-a-ball with a ‘see ball, hit ball’ approach that he favoured long before Twenty20 cricket altered the mindset of many other batsmen.

Speaking of Twenty20 cricket, no biography of Graham Napier could ever be complete without reference to his once-seen, never-forgotten innings of 152 not out against Sussex off 58 balls.

‘He’ll never do that again’ many thought in the aftermath of his stunning performance. Wrong.

Not only did the Colchester-born player recover from a career-threatening back injury in 2010 but he returned the following season to repeat his feat of 16 sixes – this time in first-class cricket against Surrey at Guildford.

Ironically, the Essex man’s most reliable suit – no batsman could go about his job the way Napier does with much hope of consistency –is his seam bowling.

By early 2009 Napier had become the leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 cricket following his exploits for the Eagles as well as successful campaigns for Wellington in New Zealand.

It will remain a mystery to many as to why Napier did not graduate to full international honours – as did team-mates Rob Key, Paul Franks, Owais Shah, Chris Schofield and Graeme Swann - after being part of England Under-19s World Cup winning team in 1998. England’s loss has undoubtedly been Essex’s gain.

Napier may have carved a niche for himself in the game as a one-day specialist but he remains an integral part of his County’s first-class side as well – never more so than in 2011 when he averaged 34.81 with the bat and 24.64 with the ball. But it is for his ability to entertain limited-overs crowds that Napier’s legacy in the game has been forged. Opposition spectators heave a huge sigh of relief when the burly hitter has been sent back to the pavilion. Essex fans know their man has two strings to his bow, however, with many a top order batsman’s stumps being rearranged by a Napier yorker.

Not only is Napier a cricketing all-rounder but his willingness to turn his hand to almost anything off the field is uncanny. From climbing to Everest Base Camp to working out with a Gladiator or training as a photographer, it is clear Napier is never stuck for a conversation piece.

Even Elton John has become a fan of Essex’s very own Rocket Man.

Essex CCC is grateful to have had such a versatile character amongst their ranks for such a long time. Long may the fans be calling out ‘Napier’s In’.