Ian Ward’s career came on a roll in 1997. He soon became an indispensable part of the furniture, combining a solid opener's technique with a calm temperament that underpinned Surrey's quest for three Championship titles in four seasons from 1999 to 2002. He still harbours hopes of an England recall, and with that in mind, he moved south to Sussex at the end of 2003. He retired from first-class cricket in 2005 to pursue a career as a full-time cricket presenter and commentator.