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Cricket CV: Attacking opening batsman who made a rapid ascent from the Australian Cricket Academy to the Test team. Picked for the 1993 Ashes tour, he scored a half-century on debut and smashed 152 at Lord's in only his second game. A 74-cap career followed, with 5,312 runs at 42.84 and 14 boundary-lashed centuries, as well as a further nine scores in the 90s, before losing his place to Justin Langer on the 2001 Ashes tour. Retired from playing in 2004.
Career highlight: Dashing 152 at Lord's in 1993, and his Test highest 219 against Sri Lanka at Perth. Also played in all 16 of Australia's record consecutive victories between 1999/2001.
Extraneous: Born in Wagga Wagga – like New York so good they named it twice – Slater's taste for the high life led him to buy a bright red Ferrari complete with personalised number plate to match his Australian Test cap number of 356, plus a tattoo to match. Unfortunately he soon discovered that was actually Brendon Julian's number - they both made their debut in the same Test (when it is then decided alphabetically). Happily, to save on a skin graft, the ACB let Slater keep his beloved number. Matrimonial seperation later put paid to the Ferrari. Renowned for celebratory smooches with his helmet, and an inexplicable love of poodle rockers Bon Jovi.
Most likely to sing (if you're really unlucky): "Woah, we're halfway there, wooah, living on a prayer..."
Least likely to say: "I'm absolutely thrilled Langer and Hayden have rewritten the record books"
Not to be confused with: Anything not Australian. Awwwh ma_ate....
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