In 1981 he played for England Schools who were captained by Hugh Morris and included Peter Moores, the future England coach. He spent his early career playing second XI cricket for Lancashire and was 12th man for the 5th day of the 1982 Test match v India after Ian Botham had broken his toe) and Leicestershire in addition to minor counties cricket for Cheshire, for whom he played a handful of List A matches.
In 1981, he played for England Schools under Hugh Morris's guidance, which included Peter Moores, who would later coach the England team. He began his career with Lancashire's second XI and was the twelfth man on the 5th day of the 1982 Test match against India after Ian Botham injured his toe, also playing for Leicestershire and minor counties like Cheshire in List A matches.