Cricket Equipment – Famous Players – Mark Ramprakash

Famous players Mark Ramprakash and Darren Gough swapped their cricket equipment for sequins and spandex.

What is it with cricket players and ballroom dancing? Strictly Come Dancing has become a huge smash in the UK and in America, and the British version seems to be setting a trend for cricket players. Last year, cricketer Darren Gough won the talent contest with his exuberant personality. Their flare on the dance floor, more than their skills with cricket equipment, has made these players famous.

Cricket equipment

But did the ability to bowl and bat help make these now famous players a hit when it came to dancing the Tango?  Cricket demands good core body strength – which could contribute to why Darren and Mark are such good dancers. Although it took a little more work for Darren, the judges are wondering if Mark was a dancer in a previous life – his snake hips have sent shudders through the British nation.

Famous players

It’s not unusual for cricket players in the UK to become famous – Phil Tufnell swapped his cricket bats for jungle survival equipment when he became a contestant on the British reality TV show, I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!

Mark Ramprakash

Mark was captain of the Surrey team and notched up a personal best in the process. Before the only equipment he had to worry about were balls, bats and his white trousers – now he’s joined the ranks of famous players who also have to remember to pack the fake tan!

Strictly dancing

It’s fair to say Mark’s life has been devoted to cricket since he was 17 when he became a pro, he’s joined the ranks of famous players after playing for England – so why is he swapping his cricket gear and equipment for a sturdy pair of dance shoes?

“I'm 38 this year,” Ramprakash told the BBC, “and I've got to the stage in my life when I want to diversify away from cricket. But when I was initially asked to do the show, I said ‘no’ – it's so far from anything I've ever done before. I like nice normal basic sports like football and golf. But then you look at Darren Gough and you realize that you might be up to the challenge. Darren made it legit, he made me realize that you could step out of your comfort zone, and have fun and see what you could do.”

And so Mark joins the ranks of famous UK cricket players who are now equipped with flamboyant outfits.

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