Well it's come around again... Another season where Jon Lewis rules the Early season swing, Kieran Pollard the T20 summer and Somerset come runner up in September.
Here are my five youngsters from England to watch. Some you will all know. Please share your own ones to watch.
Alex Hales - Bats as opener or 3. A tall, Hayden-like batsman who didn't take his recent chances for the English T20 or Lions squad. A real powerhouse. He could be England's next Trescothick -the aggressive opener. Tough to bat at Trent Bridge but stood out last season in all formats. With England struggling for batting cover, especially openers, a good season will heap pressure on Strauss.
Daniel Bell-Drummond - Another opener who I believe is 19. Unknown yet exciting under 19 England batsman who should get his chance for Kent with Joe Denly leaving. One to watch.
Lewis Gregory - a giant all rounder who has just turned 20. Excited at times in the shorter format for Somerset last season. Looks a genuine all rounder who is probably Steven Finns height.
James Taylor - I know, he sneaks in every year. A good player of spin and a nurdler rather than a heavy hitter, this lad is pure class. Had an average one last year but captaincy material and mature beyond his 22 years. He had moved to home county, Nottinghamshire, so will be good to see if he has the metal in the First Division at a challenging team. Averages around 50.
Reece Topley - 18, 6 foot 7 inches. A complete monster. Essex leftie... Yes, a leftie... This lad should be in the Lions team now. He has only played a handful of games but looks really impressive.
County Cricket - 5 to watch
posted on 2/4/12
Kerrigan is impressive. I would rate Briggs higher in the shorter formats.
posted on 2/4/12
Zafar Ansari didn't he get KP out... Isn't he another average left-arm spinner hyped up?
posted on 2/4/12
I watched Briggs play in the T20 games and he is pretty impressive. The situations they play him in too are very crucial, at stages where the batsman need runs etc... Agree about Briggs.
posted on 2/4/12
the durham academy
posted on 2/4/12
In 2010 Kerrigan was taking pots of wickets in what was his first year. He bowled Warwickshire out with a big haul. As for hyping him up, no one mentions him on any forum I've read.
posted on 2/4/12
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posted on 2/4/12
Good shout, Thakor has talent. I wonder if Adil Rashid will come back into form...
Also the young lad at Nottingham - Wood? Another who excels for the under 19's with bat and ball.
posted on 2/4/12
Aside from Bairstow, Taylor, Woakes, Briggs, Borthwick, Stokes etc who have all played for England, my 5 would be:
- Tom Maynard (Surrey)
- Tymal Mills (Essex)
- Simon Kerrigan (Lancashire)
- Joe Root (Yorkshire)
- James Harris (Glamorgan)
posted on 3/4/12
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posted on 4/4/12
Quite a few exciting youngsters around in the county game, a few have been around a while and its time they delivered in terms of big runs and wickets...i.e Hales, Taylor and the likes.