 He has played first-class cricket since 1996, when his stroke-playing ability and free scoring captured the eye of spectators.He spent a short period of time with Middlesex's Second XI, but when he hit three centuries in a mere month with the side, he was recommended to step up to first-class cricket, where he made his debut with 66 not out in 1996.Despite only playing one first-class match during 1997, he became a heavy scorer in the Second XI, at which point the retirement of Hugh Morris allowed the young Welshman to take his place as a regular opening batsman.