Back to the Crystal Palace Newsfeed

Mark Butcher reveals which Palace star inspired his fandom

Mark Butcher, fondly known as 'Butch', hung up his gloves a decade ago at his home ground The Oval, bringing a spirited cricket career to a close. On the eve of England's opening game of the ICC Cricket World Cup last May, he spoke with cpfc.co.uk about his career, his beloved Surrey CCC, the famous red and blue and a special relationship with Steve Kember. On his birthday, we look back at what he revealed.

When Croydon-born Mark Butcher broke into the England side for the 1997 Ashes series as a combative left-handed opening batsman, he came up against the undisputed best side in the world – one widely regarded as the best ever.