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, led by Hugh Morris and including Peter Moores, who later became an England coach. He began his career playing second XI cricket for Lancashire and was the twelfth man on the 5th day of the 1982 Test match against India after Ian Botham broke his toe, as well as for Leicestershire and minor counties like Cheshire, where he played a few List A matches.