Background

Michael Atherton was born on March 23, 1968 in Failsworth, Lancashire, England. While there is not much information available about Michael’s parents or family, it is known that Michael’s father, Alan Atherton played for Manchester United as a goalkeeper.

Michael attended Manchester Grammar School where he was a member of the school’s cricket team. Michael was a captain of the team and scored almost thirty five hundred runs and took one hundred seventy wickets. These performances led to Michael's selection to England's under-19 team of which he also became captain at the age of sixteen.

Michael represented Lancashire Schools from 1982 to 1986 and in 1983 he won the Jack Hobbss Memorial Award as the Outstanding Schoolboy Cricketer at the under-15 level. Michael later enrolled into Downing College in Cambridge where he graduated with a degree in History. Michael played college cricket while attending Downing and his early rise through the ranks earned him the nickname "FEC", which was said to have stood for "Future England Captain."

Pro Cricket Career

After graduation, Michael was selected for England’s National Cricket Team. Michael’s first match was a test match against Australia. In 1989, Michael was picked as the vice-captain of the team for a game against Zimbabwe. Michael also played in several matches against New Zealand and India. Michael won the Young Cricketer of the Year award in 1990. Michael Atherton was considered to be a leading batsman for England during the 1990's. Michael often played the anchoring role for England during this time. It was during the winter of 1990 that Michael was tested in the Ashes tour of Australia. Although Michael made a century in the third test in Sydney, he averaged only thirty one for his two hundred seventy nine runs and England lost by the score of 3-0.

In 1993, Michael was given the responsibility to lead the team as a captain. He captained the team in a series against the West Indies but unfortunately his team lost the series 3–1. During this time, Michael was accused of ball tampering and had a fine of 2000 GBP imposed on him. This was a sad day for his fans and Michael's reputation suffered a wicked blow. Michael denied all allegations of ball tampering but the evidence spoke against him and the charges were not dropped as television pictures were damning and showed Michael deliberately putting dirt on the ball. Michael was not breaking any rules as it is widely known that plenty of bowlers improve their grip in this manner. After this unfortunate incident Michael and England headed to Leeds for the second Test. Michael played one of his best innings, grinding out ninety nine before being caught and bowled by Brian McMillan. Atherton believed that this innings was the best answer he could have given to the 'gutter press'. Michael led England to a win in the third Test at the Oval, tying the series, despite failing to score a century.