Early Life and Family

Alec Stewart was born on April 8, 1963, in Merton, Surrey, England. He is the son of Micky Stewart, a former cricketer and manager of the England team. Alec grew up in a sports-oriented family with two siblings—his brother Neil and sister Judy. He received his early education at Tiffin School in Kingston upon Thames.

Professional Cricket Career

Stewart began his professional cricket career with Surrey in 1981. Recognized early on for his aggressive batting technique and reliable performance behind the stumps, he quickly established himself as a core player for the team. Initially more of a batsman, Stewart also served effectively as a wicket-keeper when required, showcasing versatility that would serve him well in his international career.

His debut for the England national cricket team came in 1989 against the West Indies. Known for opening the batting in both Tests and One Day Internationals (ODIs), Stewart developed a reputation for resilience and consistency. He was appointed captain of the national team in 1993, a role he held until 1999. During his international career, he often stepped in as wicket-keeper, particularly after the retirement of fellow keeper Jack Russell in the early 2000s.

Stewart scored his highest Test score—190—against Pakistan, and his top ODI score was 116. In total, he scored 15 Test centuries and 4 ODI centuries. His contributions to the sport earned him the title of Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1993. At the time of his retirement, Stewart was England's most-capped Test cricketer and one of its highest run-scorers. In recognition of his achievements, Surrey named a gate at The Oval Stadium in his honor.