Ian Butler

Who is Ian Butler?

Ian Gareth Butler is a New Zealand cricketer, but has dual UK/NZ citizenship.

Although overshadowed by express speedster Shane Bond, Butler's fast bowling has proved a potent force in itself. His ability to get lift from benign surfaces winning him a test best 6 for 46 against Pakistan in Wellington in 2004. Following a series of back injuries, he failed to establish himself as an automatic selection in an increasingly strong New Zealand side and has not appeared in first class cricket since December 2004 though he is still active in one day cricket for Northern Districts.

At the age of 17, he had his first professional contract with Penrith in Lake District. The following year, he played for Purley in London.

He played for Northern Districts between 2001 and 2008 before moving to Otago, representing them in the 2009 Champions League Twenty20 in India.

He had stints in English county cricket with Gloucestershire in 2003 and Kent in 2004.

In 2007 Butler played for Harborne Cricket Club in Birmingham, and coached some boys from King Edward's School Birmingham, Edgbaston. In 2008 he again played for Harborne Cricket Club, as well as Lashings Cricket Club in London.