Arriving at the wicket off a longer run-up than most slow bowlers, Such had a side-on action that was characterised by a flurry of limbs. He plugged away, relying on accuracy rather than mystery, and replaced John Emburey as England's most reliable offspinner. He picked up 6 for 67 on Test debut against Australia in 1993, played in all three Tests against New Zealand the following summer, but then had to wait until the Ashes series of 1998-99 for his next cap. Significantly, England chose him ahead of Robert Croft for the Sydney Test, where spinners usually excel (Such took 5 for 81 in Australia's second innings). Such began with Nottinghamshire in 1982, and moved to Leicestershire five years later. But it wasn't until he joined Essex in 1990 and formed an effective partnership with slow left-armer John Childs, that his career rumbled into action. His batting was based around the forward defensive, and he made the second-longest Test duck against New Zealand in 1999 - his final international appearance. Such played under four England captains in 11 Tests. He was released by Essex at the end of 2001 and played one season for Cambridgeshire.
Lawrence Booth

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Apr 28, 2001 Peter Such ; thumbnail portrait © Cricinfo Ltd

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