Robertsbridge cricket bat makers '˜proud' of Alastair Cook success

A cricket bat manufacturer in Robertsbridge said it is proud of one of its biggest clients Alastair Cook who is finding success on and off the crease.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jun 2016, 11:06 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 16:32 BST

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Robertsbridge Community College students with Alastair Cook at Gray-Nicolls in February. Photo by Brendan FosterRobertsbridge Community College students with Alastair Cook at Gray-Nicolls in February. Photo by Brendan Foster
Robertsbridge Community College students with Alastair Cook at Gray-Nicolls in February. Photo by Brendan Foster

The England Test captain became the first Englishman and the youngest player to reach 10,000 Test runs in May and was given a CBE in the Queen’s birthday honours earlier this month.

Cook has been using Gray-Nicolls bats officially since he was 14 and brand manager Nick Wilton said the long-standing relationship the company has built with the batsman has helped both parties thrive.

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“Alastair’s used the brand the whole of his career and we’ve built a really strong relationship with him so we’re really proud of his success on the pitch,” he said.

“To be rewarded off it is fantastic as well, we’re extremely pleased with his achievements.”

Cook has had a sparkling career in first class cricket, breaking numerous records for England and at county level for Essex, and throughout all of it he has used Gray-Nicolls.

Nick said Cook visits fairly regularly as he is quite superstitious about his bats as he believes every bat has a ‘run-life’. So no matter how many runs he gets, Cook will always change his bat after a while, meaning he often meets with the bat makers to get his bat just how he likes it.

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Cook’s last visit was to meet Robertsbridge Community College students with sports charity Chance to Shine in February.

Captain Cook is not the only first-class cricketer to use Gray-Nicolls as it sponsors English internationals Alex Hales, Johnny Bairstow and Chris Woakes as well as Durham, Gloucestershire and Glamorgan county teams.

The bat makers on Station Road celebrated its 160th birthday last year and Nick is also proud of the company’s success.

“We’re the most recognised brand in cricket and we’re at the top of our game at the moment with some brilliant products,” he said.

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Related topics:RobertsbridgeEnglandEnglishman