After Dinner Speakers: Graham Gooch, The Bachelors, Frances Edmonds

After growing up in the East End of London, Graham Gooch rose through the ranks at Essex before gaining his first England cap in the 1975 Ashes series. However his test career didn't really take off until 1985 when he bacame an England regular.In 1990 Graham was appointed England captain which gave him a spur of confidence. He made 333 against India at Lord's but his innings the following summer at Headingly facing the West Indian fast bowlers is thought to be far superior. He carried his bat, scoring 154* to lead his side to a historic 115 run victory. In 1993 he became the highest English run scorer in history before retireing in 1994.In 1996 Graham took a selector's job and is also well regarded as a coach. He is an excellent after dinner speaker with stories about being in the middle and facing all of the world's fastest bowlers.