Chris Tremlett
A towering English fast bowler whose rare combination of height, bounce, and skill spearheaded a crucial Ashes victory before injuries curtailed his promise.
Born 1981 (age 45)·English cricketer·Birthday: September 2·Millennials
Biography
At six-foot-seven, Chris Tremlett was a physically imposing sight off the long run, generating steep, awkward bounce that troubled batsmen on any surface. The son and grandson of first-class cricketers, his talent was evident during his time at Hampshire, but his international career was a story of frustrating stops and starts. After moving to Surrey, he finally delivered on his potential during the 2010-11 Ashes tour in Australia. With a smooth, heavy-ball action, he took 17 wickets in three Tests, his menacing spells at Perth and Sydney instrumental in England's historic series win. Persistent back and knee injuries, however, robbed him of longevity, forcing a retirement that left fans wondering what might have been for one of England's most physically gifted modern quicks.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chris was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Took 17 wickets in 3 Tests during England's victorious 2010-11 Ashes series in Australia.
- Was a member of the England squad that won the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies.
- Took 4 for 26 on his Test debut against India at The Oval in 2007.
- Won three County Championships with two different clubs: with Hampshire in 2005 and with Surrey in 2011 and 2012.
Did You Know?
His father, Tim Tremlett, and grandfather, Maurice Tremlett, both played first-class cricket.
He was originally a talented tennis player and considered pursuing it professionally as a junior.
He played for the England Lions (the 'A' team) before earning his full Test cap.
After retirement, he worked as a cricket pundit and commentator for BBC Test Match Special.
“My height is a weapon, but you must learn to wield it.”
