Kim was born in 1960, in Leek Staffordshire. In his domestic career he played for Derbyshire for 19 years from 1979. When he was 22 years old, his cricketing capability was recognised by Derbyshire and he was made Captain, the youngest ever and he held this role until 1995. He moved to Gloucestershire for 3 years because of disagreements with the County’s committee.
Kim was primarily a batsman, but also was a proficient leg spin bowler,
and was named in 1989 as one of the five Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year.
Kim played in 4 Tests for England, but after accepting a place on the Gatting rebel tour of South Africa in 1989/90 he was banned from Test cricket for 3 years. However, in his debut at Lord’s, he scored 68 against Sri Lanka. In his one day career, he scored 84 and was man of the match, against Sri Lanka.
In total, he scored 28593 first class runs, with a batting average of 40.38. His top score was 239 not out against Leicestershire, and he made 61 centuries.
In a single season, he passed 1000 runs, a total of 16 times and achieved this milestone in 11 consecutive seasons, between 1983 and 1993.
As a bowler, he took 188 wickets in first class cricket. His best figures were 6-28 against Glamorgan.
His time as captain of Derbyshire led to Sunday League title in 1990, and in 1993 winning the Benson & Hedges cup.
Kim Barnett was a well recognised figure on the cricket field. He took guard usually several inches outside leg stump. On delivery of the ball, he possessed a pronounced shuffle of his feet. In appearance he had a bald head and moustache, so he stood out on the field.
Eventually in 2002, despite wishing to continue, Gloucestershire did not offer a contract, so he returned to league cricket.
Kim Barnett was a very successful first class cricketer, both as batsman and bowler, evident from his statistics. He was a determined captain of his county, and when he retired, left an enduring legacy to the game.
Robin Andrews – June 2024