Tall, well-built and known as Chunks to his mates, Travis Friend is a bowler of genuine pace who first played for Zimbabwe in a one-day international at the age of 19, despite only changing from legspin two years earlier. But he picked up a stress fracture in the back, perhaps due to over-bowling in New Zealand and India in 2000-01. He recovered, and quickly made an impact in the Test arena, taking 5 for 31 as Bangladesh were skittled for 107 on the first day of the Test series in November 2001. A useful batsman who drives well off the front foot, Friend is a modest and approachable individual.

His career turned after he was one of the 15 rebels involved in the dispute which followed the sacking of Heath Streak in April this year - he left Zimbabwe and his international career looks finished. Like other players who could no longer enjoy cricket in Zimbabwe, he signed for an English county, Derbyshire in his case, to continue his first-class career.
Geoffrey Dean November 2004

• Look what you're missing (Aug 16, 2007)
  
• Rebels play waiting game (Mar 1, 2005)
  
• Friend signs for Derbyshire (Nov 29, 2004)
  
• Friend to play in Sydney Shires cricket (Sep 29, 2004)
  
• 'Red Lions' tour draws to a close (Aug 2, 2004)
  

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Aug 18, 2005 Travis Friend, player portrait © Getty Images

Aug 2, 2004 Travis Friend bowling against Bangladesh © AFP

Jan 20, 2004 Travis Friend avoids a short ball © Getty Images

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