England vs India: Meet Alex – autograph-hunter in age of selfie-seekers who has 3 garages at home stocked with his treasures
In an age where selfies dominate fan culture, one man is keeping an old-school tradition alive with passion, patience, and persistence. Meet Alex, a lifelong cricket enthusiast from the UK, whose dedication to collecting autographs—particularly from England vs India matches—has earned him a reputation among both fans and cricketers. While others flash their phones for quick pictures, Alex patiently waits with a pen and notebook in hand. His home, or more accurately, his three garages, is a testament to decades of cricketing devotion.
A Hobby That Became an Obsession
It all began when Alex was just nine years old. He vividly remembers standing outside Lord’s Cricket Ground after a Test match in 1986. While others rushed home, young Alex waited near the team bus with a notepad and a blue ink pen. That day, he got his first cricket autograph—legendary English bowler Bob Willis.
“That one moment changed everything,” Alex says with a nostalgic smile. “The feeling of connection, the adrenaline of the chase, and the pride of preserving history—it was addictive.”
What started as a hobby quickly turned into a full-fledged obsession. Over the next 30+ years, Alex would go on to collect autographs from over 1,000 cricketers, with a special focus on those who participated in England vs India series.
Why England vs India?
When asked why he chose this particular rivalry, Alex doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the energy. There’s something magical about England vs India. It’s not just a game—it’s a clash of cultures, styles, and cricketing philosophies. The passion from both sets of fans, the iconic players, and the high-stakes nature of the matches make it the perfect backdrop for my collection.”
Alex has autographs from legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli, as well as English greats such as Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and James Anderson. Some were obtained after long waits in cold weather; others came through lucky hotel encounters or practice session ambushes.
He recalls one memorable moment at Edgbaston in 2007 when a young MS Dhoni, still relatively new to the international scene, graciously signed a glove and even posed for a photo. “I knew he’d be something special,” Alex beams. “He had the calm confidence of a future legend.”
The Garages of Glory
Step into Alex’s garages, and you’re entering a cricket museum that rivals anything a professional archivist could dream of. Each garage has a theme.
- Garage One: Bats, gloves, and pads signed by players from iconic matches. One wall is entirely dedicated to the 2002 NatWest Series final where India pulled off a historic chase.
- Garage Two: Framed shirts and scorecards. One prized possession is a match-worn shirt signed by Alastair Cook during his final Test series against India in 2018.
- Garage Three: A mixed memorabilia zone containing rare items like match tickets, signed photos, and even an autographed cricket ball from the 2011 World Cup.
Alex doesn’t just collect for show—he curates. Items are stored in protective cases, labeled, and catalogued with dates, locations, and contextual stories. “It’s not just about the signature. It’s the memory tied to it, the story behind how I got it.”
The Art of the Hunt in a Selfie Age
In today’s world, autograph hunters are a rare breed. The rise of smartphones and the desire for instant social media gratification have overshadowed the humble autograph book. But Alex remains undeterred.
“Photos fade, but ink remains,” he quips. “A selfie is proof you met someone. An autograph is a piece of them.”
Players have changed too. While some still appreciate the gesture, others are overwhelmed by crowd control and time constraints. Alex understands this. He’s respectful, never pushy, and often uses creative ways to catch a player’s attention—like carrying retro jerseys or handmade signs.
His persistence has earned him recognition. Several cricketers now greet him by name. Some even ask what he plans to do with the signed items. “Nothing,” he replies. “I just preserve them.”
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
Alex doesn’t keep his collection locked away. He often hosts local school groups and cricket clubs for private tours of his memorabilia rooms. He believes that sharing the magic of the sport through history can inspire future fans.
He’s also begun digitizing his collection and writing a blog titled “The Last Autograph Hunter”, where he shares stories from his adventures across stadiums in England and India. From long waits outside team hotels in Mumbai to sneaking into practice nets in Nottingham, his stories are as thrilling as a five-day Test match going down to the wire.
When asked if he plans to stop anytime soon, Alex laughs. “Not a chance. As long as there’s cricket, and as long as someone is willing to sign, I’ll be there.”
Final Thoughts
In a cricketing world that’s rapidly evolving with T20s, NFTs, and influencer culture, Alex’s journey as an England vs India autograph hunter is a beautiful reminder of the timeless essence of the sport. His garages may be full, but his heart still has room for the next signature, the next story, and the next piece of cricketing magic.
