Phillip DeFreitas

Ex-England cricketer and sports speaker Phillip DeFreitas played for both local and national cricket teams throughout the 1980’s and 90’s. With a domestic career playing for Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Boland DeFreitas spanning over three decades. Garnering almost 100 caps for England since his debut in 1986, DeFreitas played against some of the best players and most competitive teams in the world. He appeared in 44 Test Matches and played in all three of the World Cups that came around during his career. Building a reputation as a strong armed fast bowler and a talented right arm batter, DeFreitas became an advocate for cricket and continues to champion the sport.

DeFreitas’ most notable performances include the Test Matches in 1991 and 1994 against the West Indies and New Zealand respectively, where he was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1992. DeFreitas is the only bowler to have taken five wickets in a single innings against all of the eighteen first class County sides, a record that still stands. Another impressive achievement is the rare double of 10,000 first class runs and 1,000 wickets that he obtained in his career.

Retiring in 2005 Phillip DeFreitas is now a cricket speaker, making regular appearances on British television working as a commentator and sports speaker. As well as working as a cricket speaker DeFreitas is also the cricket master and coach at the prestigious Oakham School in Oxford under fellow ex-England cricketer and sports speaker Frank Hayes, and as of 2009 the director of cricket at Magdalen College School also in Oxford. Since retirement he thrives from the experience of being the celebrity guest at evenings and his vibrant personality makes him a hit with crowds of all ages. As a cricket speaker Phillip DeFreitas fondly recalls his time on both domestic and national teams he shares his experiences of the cricket industry and offers a unique insight into this exciting and changing era of cricket.