Gary Neville has reminded fans that his sporting talent once stretched far beyond football, earning applause from former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan after displaying an unexpectedly sharp batting technique on a recent podcast appearance.
The Manchester United great, whose footballing achievements include 602 appearances, eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and two Champions League triumphs under Sir Alex Ferguson, picked up the bat again to revisit a passion from his youth — and left some of England’s finest cricketers deeply impressed.
Neville, 50, grew up in a household steeped in sport.
His father was a league cricketer, and Gary himself starred for Lancashire’s Under-14s, balancing his cricket commitments with a growing promise on the football pitch.
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The former England right-back, capped 85 times by his country, might have had a very different sporting career had fate — and Ferguson — not intervened.
Taking part in a light-hearted segment alongside Michael Vaughan, the pair rekindled memories of their shared schoolboy days at the Bunbury Cricket Festival, where both had represented their respective teams as teenagers.
This time, Neville stepped up to the crease with a surprising display of control and timing, showcasing a classical batting stance that drew instant admiration from his former festival teammate - who applauded with enthusiasm.
Gary Neville has reminded fans that his sporting talent once stretched far beyond football, earning applause from former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan after displaying an unexpectedly sharp batting technique on a recent podcast appearance
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After Neville unleashed an attacking stroke reminiscent of England’s modern “Bazball” approach, Vaughan smiled in approval, saying: “That’ll do, he’s got the tricks!”
Former England spinner Phil Tufnell, also present for the session, was quick to add his praise, noting Neville’s composure at the wicket.
“Very nice, positive stride, high elbow, head over the ball — very good,” he said, before cheekily comparing Neville’s style to that of West Indian legend Brian Lara: “Gary’s got a little bit of a Brian Lara high backlift there!”
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Gary Neville won eight Premier League titles during his spell at Manchester United
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Neville responded with his trademark grin, admitting that old habits die hard: “Someone told me to get the bat high because I used to have a problem going across the lines at times.”
The session also prompted Neville to reflect on how his cricket ambitions came to an abrupt end.
He revealed that his final innings coincided with his early breakthrough at United — and that Ferguson himself was responsible for pulling the plug.
“When I was 16 and joined United, in the summer I carried on playing cricket,” Neville explained.
“I just didn’t think anything of it. You just played cricket in the summer.
“Then a picture went in the local paper. I’d made my debut for United at that time, and I remember Sir Alex calling me and saying, ‘You can’t play cricket. What are you doing for insurance purposes?’ That was it — my last ever game of cricket.”
Gary Neville featured 85 times for England during his playing days | PANeville will, however, have no regrets about his decision to stick to football.
In addition to a glittering spell at United, he also made 85 appearances for England.
Neville retired from football back in January 2011.
He has since established himself as a pundit with Sky Sports.