Chandigarh, December 11 With his supercharged wicket-keeping abilities, edgy personality and eagerness to promote cricket, Chris Read has willingly and effectively played the lead guitarist for the current generation of English domestic cricket stars.

Currently playing for Nottinghamshire in the English county circuit, Read made his debut for England against New Zealand at Edgbaston in 1999 and since has been a constant threat for the likes of Matt Prior and Gerrant Jones for the coveted wicketkeeper's slot in the England squad. The 29-year old player is nowadays in India playing for Chennai Superstars in the Indian Cricket League. In a chat with Newsline, Read talked about his stint with Nottinghamshire, experience of participating in the New York City Marathon to raise money for Bowel cancer research, playing hockey for his local club and the much-talked about competition for the wicketkeeper's slot in the England squad.

You happen to be one of the few cricketers to have made your England A debut before playing first class cricket. Can you tell us more about the experience of representing England in international cricket?

I feel fortunate enough to have represented England so early in my career. I still remember when I was picked for the England A side, I had not played first class cricket and coming straight from the Youth Development Programme, it was a bit difficult for me. When I look back towards my Test debut for England against New Zealand at Edgbaston in 1999, I think I did pretty well picking up eight dismissals, though I am more famous for ducking into a Chris Cairns' delivery and getting bowled in the second Test of the series.

The last few years have seen you on the fringes of the England's Test squad and the competition for the wicketkeeper's slot getting tougher with players like Gerrant Jones and Matt Prior also in the race. What are your views on the competition for the specialised position?

It is good to be in such a position where you always have two or three players competing for a single position. It is tough and seeing my first class record, I feel that I should have performed consistently for England in the Test squad. Though I was not given many chances, I am trying hard to make a comeback into the England squad.

How has been the experience with Nottinghamshire where you now have been awarded a contract till 2010 and are the captain?

Except for the first year of my career, I have been playing for Nottinghamshire in the English domestic circuit. Playing for Nottinghamshire for the last 10 years has been a fantastic experience for me. This has been a transition period for the club and in 2005 we won the championship and now from the 2007 season, I have been appointed the captain replacing Stephen Fleming. I am looking forward to playing for them till 2010.

A few days before Indian Cricket League, you also participated in the New York City Marathon to raise money for the Bowel Cancer research. What took you to participate in the Marathon?

My wife is a runner and she prompted me to participate in the Marathon. My first cricket coach, Trevor Ward, died of this disease just 11 months ago and I thought it to be a nice idea to pay a tribute to him. It was a great experience and the last six-seven miles were really tough. Yet I think I finished pretty well, I guess among the top five per cent who took part in the Marathon.

You also play hockey for your local club. How did it start?

I grew up playing football and rugby early on in my career and due to my build someone suggested me to play hockey. I took up hockey at the age of 14 and played for my county and club. Nowadays I play in some charitable tournaments and also for my club in the winter season.

Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/He-keeps-them-on-their-toes/249334/