LONDON, CMC – Former Jamaica captain Gareth Breese brought the curtains down on his ten-year career at Durham in style, striking the winning runs to help the English County side beat Warwickshire and capture the Royal London Cup one-day title here yesterday.
The 38-year-old Breese showcased every last ounce of his vast experience as he combined with England all-rounder Ben Stokes to carry Durham to their target of 166, winning by three wickets in extremely gloomy conditions at Lord’s.
Breese edged seamer Chris Woakes past slip to the third man boundary to end on 15 not out, helping to add 36 for the eighth wicket with Stokes whose unbeaten 38, along with his earlier two-wicket haul, earned him Man-of-the-Match honours.
“We’ve had a fantastic team performance [all season] and today was no different. To come out on top is a fantastic effort from the team,” Breese said.
“It’s not all about me. It’s about all the guys up there on the balcony, who bowled fantastically well today and gritted it out with the bat.”
Breese, who played a single Test for West Indies 12 years ago, has not retired from cricket. He signed a one-year contract with Durham at the end of last season and despite becoming a hugely popular figure at Chester-le-Street, could now be taking his services elsewhere.
He has played 124 first class matches but has been used primarily in recent years as a short-game specialist, a role in which he has excelled.
Breese said Durham’s title triumph had made his departure “bittersweet” but said if he did play again, he was guaranteed of a great finish to his career.
“If it’s my last game at this level, then I’ve had a fantastic last game,” he said.
“It’s a bit bittersweet. I’m enjoying my cricket, I’d love to play a bit more but circumstances dictate and I’m moving on. It’s just been a fantastic farewell to have another team performance and bring another trophy to the northeast.
Stokes said it has been fitting that Breese struck the winning runs.
“I told Breesey I wanted to be with him at the end and although he meant to leave that ball it still went for four,” he said.
“He thoroughly deserved to be the man who hit the winning runs for everything he’s done for Durham.”
Durham captain Mark Stoneman, who top-scored with 52 at the top of the order, praised Breese’s contribution to the club.
“He’s been an outstanding player and character for Durham County Cricket Club for a long time now,” Stoneman said.
“Sport doesn’t always lend itself to fairytale endings but today, thankfully, the script was written and it went along quite nicely for him.”
Breese had earlier grabbed three for 30 from seven overs of off-spin as Warwickshire, sent in, were dismissed for 165 off 47 overs.
Captain and opener Varun Chopra top-scored with 64.