OUCC recently spoke to current Nottinghamshire batsman Mark Wagh (Keble) about his time at Oxford and about his career in County cricket.
What did you study?
Psychology.
Did you play any college cricket?
1 or 2 games but nothing really sticks in the mind.
Did you play any other sports at Oxford?
No, it was all cricket.
What is your favourite pub in the Oxford?
Lamb and Flag.
How did OUCC prepare you for your career?
Coming to university as opposed to going straight into the county game made me a more rounded person. I also think having the opportunity the captain the side as I did made me into a better cricketer with a better understanding of the game.
What is your favourite ground?
Lord’s does a great lunch, so for that and other more obvious reasons I’d say Lord’s.
Best player to pay with/against?
Murali was an extremely good bowler, I imagine he got me out. But for batsmen, Lara was a cut above.
Fastest bowler?
I played against Shoaib Ahktar once but he didn’t seem that fast so I’m not sure he was bowling at his fastest that day. I’ve had some pretty fast spells from Flintoff and Harmison. But it seems that the fast bowlers only bowl really fast in short bursts, so it is difficult to tell.
Favourite Captain?
I enjoyed playing under Stephen Fleming whilst he was at Notts and the current captain Chris Read is excellent. He is very calm and very good.
Why did you leave Warwickshire for Notts?
I thought by that stage I had spent enough time at Warwickshire and was looking to move on. The attraction of a test ground in Trent Bridge was a good one and they also offered batting at 3 which I always preferred. Having played against them a number of times over the years I got a good impression of what it was like to play for them and I had always got on with the Notts guys well. There was also an attraction to player under Fleming, who is obviously a great player with an excellent captaincy record.
Do you think the Universities should stay First Class?
Well it is very important to leave an avenue open for young cricketers where they can get a good education at the same time. Whilst we played more first class matches against the counties in my time, the MCCU team we are playing against are competitive. Whilst I am not really sure how the funding system works and what role the first class status has in the funding, an avenue into first class cricket whilst gaining a good education is essential.
Plans post cricket?
I am going to burn my pads and go into law after I retire this year. I’ve got a job lined up so the transition shouldn’t be too strenous.
Did you every play for the Authentics?
No.
