Hylton Ackerman was born in Cape Town, South Africa on the 14th of February 1973 and has just been appointed captain of Leicestershire for the 2005 season. Here he talks exclusively to the Leicestershire Foxes site about his career and ambitions.
Firstly, are you known as Hylton or HD?
I'm known as HD.
When and how did the move to Leicestershire come about?
My agents asked if I was keen to play in the UK under the new Kolpak ruling. I said I was and Leicestershire were the ones to get hold of me.
When do you arrive in England?
Towards the end of March.
Tell us a bit about your career and achievements.
I have played first class cricket for 12 years, 10 years for Western Province and 2 years for Gauteng. I captained Western Province for 3 years and Gauteng for 2. I have represented South Africa in 4 tests and have played in over 100 first class matches aswell as over 100 one-day games.
What has been the biggest highlight of your career?
Making my test debut vs Pakistan in 1998.
What kind of batsman would you describe yourself as and what attitude do you have towards the game?
I like to think of myself as a batsman who plays well under pressure. As far as attitude goes, well I am a student of the game and I love it, so I am always positive.
Are you moving to England permanently with your family and does this mean you will not be playing in South Africa again?
I will move to England on a permanent basis in my second year as I have to return to South Africa in their summer as I have a few loose ends to tie up.
What do you know about Leicestershire CCC?
The Foxes play at Grace Road and are the current 20/20 champions. Hansie Cronje played for them and they have a bright future.
Do you know any of our players and if so tell us a little about them?
I have played club cricket in South Africa against Jeremy Snape as well as Paul Nixon (he stumped me!). I played alot against Ottis Gibson, who hits a long cricket ball. I have played with and against Claude Henderson (he loves red wine!)
The 20/20 has been a massive success in England. What are your thoughts on it and have you played in a similar competition before?
It's great and a whole lot of fun to play. South Africa has their own version called Pro 20 which I have played.
Having just being appointed captain of Leicestershire, what will you demand from your players and how will you motivate them to play to their maximum?
I only demand for them to be prepared and to give their best. As far as motivation goes, well people are motivated in different ways and it's up to me to find out what makes each man tick.
Your father has played for our neighbours Northants. Did you stay in England when he was here and have you played club cricket in England before? If so, who for and how did you find it?
I didn't come over with my Dad but I have played club cricket in the UK for 7 seasons actually and played all over but mainly in the north and I loved it.
How is your form at this current time in South Africa?
Good. I just got 180 in my last game!
Leicestershire fans always like a player who gives 110% but also like someone who takes time out to talk to them around the ground, is this how you see yourself?
Cricketers are entertainers. Without public support there is no game, so yes, I will be chatting when I take a walk around the ground.
In county championship games in England the crowds are very small but in 20/20 cricket they are huge. What are the attendance's like in South African domestic cricket and what is the largest crowd you have played in front of?
Crowds are dwindling in South African cricket but are still large for the Pro 20. 20,000 was the largest and it was a benefit game in Mumbai.
I know you have scored a double ton and made 180 in your last match but what is the greatest innings you have played?
57 on my test debut vs Pakistan.
Have you had another job other than cricket? If so, tell us a bit about it.
Cricket, cricket, cricket!
Football is by far the biggest sport in England. Are you a football fan and which team do you support?
I'm a huge fan. Ever since Kevin Moran was sent off in the FA Cup final, I have been a Man Utd fan. (Give it a while and we'll get HD down to the Walkers Stadium to see some real football!! Ed.)
What is your ultimate goal and what do you hope to achieve by playing cricket for Leicestershire?
To be a successful husband and one day a father. For my new club, that would have to be to one day win the championship.
Thanks alot HD and we wish you good luck in your stay with Leicestershire.
