Hick and Hignell collect honours from Queen

Former England batsman Graeme Hick and ex-England rugby union international Alastair Hignell were among those receiving honours from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II here on Tuesday.

Hick, born in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) medal by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

The 43-year-old never lived up to his promise as a Test match batsman but retired in 2008 having played more matches in all forms of senior cricket than anyone else after breaking former England captain Graham Gooch’s record.

It was a feat acknowledged by the Queen, who told Hick on Tuesday the modern game had become even more “demanding”. Hick said: “I’m very honoured and very privileged. It’s an amazing moment and a lot more nerve-wracking than walking out at Lord’s, but it’s a very special day for me and my family.

“It’s something I’m sure I’ll look back on and really cherish. “The Queen said the game had become very demanding and she asked me about some of the charity work I do in Worcestershire for kids in the area.” Hick added he believed Twenty20, cricket’s shortest and youngest professional format, had been a boon for the game as a whole.

“Cricket was just looking for a facelift when Twenty20 was introduced. It’s been a great success. It’s come at a great time for cricket.”

During his career, the former Worcestershire batsman scored 136 first-class centuries.

Asked if anyone would break his appearance record, he said: “You hope not, but it all depends on how the game develops over the next few years.

“(If they’re) playing less cricket, it’s going to be harder to achieve.”

Hignell, whose sporting career saw him win 15 caps for England as a full-back during the 1970s as well as playing first-class cricket for Gloucestershire, was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire), one rank below a knighthood.

After his playing days finished, Hignell became a commentator on rugby union for BBC Radio. Having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, Hignell has since campaigned to raise awareness of the condition.

“I was absolutely nervous, as nervous as I’ve been for any cricket or rugby match I’ve ever played, as nervous as for any commentary,” Hignell said. LONDON, Wednesday (AFP)