Craig Kieswetter
A dynamic wicket-keeper batsman whose explosive international debut promised a bright future cut short by a freak injury.
Born 1987 (age 39)·English cricketer·Birthday: November 28·Millennials
Biography
Craig Kieswetter's cricket career was a shooting star—intensely bright but brief. Born in South Africa, he qualified to play for England through his mother and announced himself with brutal force. In just his fourth One Day International, he blasted a match-winning 107 in the 2010 final against Australia to secure England's first-ever ICC global trophy. A compact, powerful striker and agile keeper, he seemed the perfect modern limited-overs package. He was a key part of England's T20 World Cup triumph that same year. However, his trajectory was violently altered in 2014 when a ball smashed through his helmet grille during a county match, causing serious eye damage. After a long and courageous recovery attempt, he retired from professional cricket at 27, later reinventing himself as a competitive golfer.
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.
Craig was born in 1987, 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 Craig Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Craig's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was named Player of the Match for his 107 in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 final, leading England to its first major limited-overs title.
- Played a key role in England's victorious 2010 ICC World Twenty20 campaign, scoring crucial runs at the top of the order.
- Made a sensational international debut, scoring 143 runs in his first three ODI innings for England.
- Successfully transitioned from a promising county cricketer at Somerset to a regular in the England limited-overs setup.
Did You Know?
He represented South Africa at Under-19 level before switching allegiance to England.
After retiring from cricket, he became a professional golfer and qualified for the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.
His injury was caused by a ball from Northamptonshire's David Willey, a future England teammate.
He attended the same prestigious South African school (Diocesan College) as former England captain Andrew Strauss.
“I just saw the ball and hit it; that final innings was pure instinct.”
