Profile on...Ian Austin     

Ian Austin was born in Haslingden, Lancashire on the 30th May 1966. e followed in the footsteps of his father, by playing his cricket at Haslingden C.C., starting in the under-13's, and making his debut for the First XI aged just 15. In 1985, Ian hit 149 not out against Church C.C., which remains a Lancashire League record to this day. 'Oscar' hit two 6's off the last 2 balls of the game to break the record. He was spotted by Lancashire scouts, and offered a contract.

He made his debut for Lancashire in 1987, and his first victim as a county cricketer was one I.T. Botham in Benson and Hedges Cup game against Worcestershire. Austin soon found himself a first team regular, and in 1990, he was awarded his county cap, which came as a great surprise to him. During his career he has constantly in a successful team, his roll of honour reads like this:

NatWest Trophy Winner (3): 1990, 1996, 1998

Benson & Hedges Cup Winner (3): 1990, 1995, 1996

Sunday League (3):1989, 1998, 1999

Refuge Cup Winner (1): 1988

As well as various honours with Haslingden and Clitheroe and the amateur leagues.

In 2000, Ian was awarded a benefit by Lancashire C.C.C. for his 10 years of service to the club since being awarded his county cap in 1990. He worked very hard to make sure the benefit was a success. To picture to the left was his benefit logo, which was very cleverly thought up, as it incorporates his 2 nicknames, Bully and Oscar. Ian's benefit raised £155,000, which he richly deserves. Ian said this about the figure."I'd like to thank everyone who helped me with the events, and to all those that supported me during the year."

The year 2000 also saw the release of Ian's autobiography 'Bully For You, Oscar'. I can honestly say, this is one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure to read. It is an honest and heartfelt account of the life of a county cricketer. It details his career in the Lancashire League, playing abroad in Australia and his professional career for Lancashire. One of the best features of the book is the inclusion of Ian's diary of Lancashire's 2000 season, which is a brilliant account of the season. 'Bully For You Oscar' is available from the Lancashire Cricket Superstore, at Old Trafford, priced £15.99, well worth the money.