All-rounder Dewayne Bowden is an X-factor player capable of turning any match with either bat or ball, making him an extremely valuable member of this season’s Firebirds squad.

Currently a key cog in the State Wellington Firebirds’ State Twenty20 set-up, Bowden proved his worth for the team last season in two State Championship matches before Christmas, scoring an unbeaten match winning century against the State Northern Knights and then backing that up with a sensational two wickets in one over as the Firebirds pipped the State Canterbury Wizards in a four-day thriller at the Allied Nationwide Finance Basin reserve. Since his debut in January 2007, Bowden has been a mainstay of the team, having now played well over 50 times for the Firebirds in all three forms of the game.

Dewayne Bowden at the bowling crease for the State Wellington Firebirds in last Sunday's State Twenty20 fixture against the State Auckland Aces at Eden Park

Playing style: All-rounder

Nickname: Bowzer

Secondary school attended: Wellington College

Club: North City

Earliest cricket memory: The day when I was ten when I was playing softball and a guy called Brian came up to me and asked me if I wanted to give cricket a go. I said yes and have never looked back.

Favourite ground to play cricket on: The Allied Nationwide Finance Basin Reserve

Most memorable cricket moment: My debut first-class hundred against the State Northern Knights

If I could bat/bowl in partnership with any cricketer from any era I would  choose: I would like to bat with Adam Gilchrist so I could stand at the non-striker’s end and watch fireworks from the other end.

Favourite player as a kid: Wasim Akram

The non-cricketing sports person or team I most admire: Dan Carter

If I wasn’t a cricketer I’d be: A fireman

Favourite movie or TV character: Jim Carry

Favourite book/magazine: FHM Magazine

Favourite holiday destination: Valencia, Spain

On my ipod is: An assortment of different music

If I had superpowers I’d have: The ability to fly as I would never be late

If my parents are coming to dinner tonight, I’d cook them: Chicken stir-fry