As a kid I used love the start of the cricket season, in particular I loved the Morrant Cricket catalogue that I would scan for hours before pleading my case to my parents and the ‘Ones to Watch’ section of Cricketer magazine.
Taking the latter for inspiration, I decided to pen my own version of ‘ones to watch’, but to fit them into an actual playing XI. The main criteria being:
- Uncapped at test level
- Max age 26 (so to be 30 or under by time of away ashes)
1. Rob Yates – 22 years old – Warwickshire
At 22 years old the Warwickshire opener has played 33 first class games and has 6 centuries to his name. He has shown the ability to bat for long periods of time on different surfaces, and importantly the ability to learn as he goes. If he adds early season 100’s expect him to be in the mix for June.
2. Tom Haines – 23 years old – Sussex
Similar to Yates, he has 34 first class matches, 5 centuries and an orthodox technique. He is a little more aggressive than Yates, and strong square of the wicket. Sussex have made him captain at a young age which says something of his character and cricket brain.
3. Sam Hain – 26 years old – Warwickshire
Sam has been a highly rated player for some time, he (and the next man on this list) jump out to me when I hear people say we do not have better players than the current crop. His first-class record is good, he scores 100’s, plays straight, builds and innings and can score off front and back foot. It is not obvious to me why he would not succeed at test level.
4. Joe Clarke – 25 years old – Nottinghamshire
Joe may well have played already but for well documented reasons. He was rumoured to be on standby for the last tour. He has been clear he is desperate to play test cricket, I am not sure we have the depth of talent to ignore such a good player. He has an excellent conversion record from 50 to 100 which is not a common trait of English batsmen. His 18 centuries are far ahead of many who’ve already been tried by England.
5. Jamie Smith – 21 years old – Surrey
At the age of 21 Jamie is 26 games into his first-class career with 4 centuries. He has kept wicket on occasion and batted in most positions between 1 and 7 for Surry. I often read the name of Harry Brook, but if you are looking for a young test player … this is your man.
6. Matt Critchley – 25 years old – Essex
As I write he has added a 5th 100 to his list. Critch is an excellent all-round package, crucially his batting now stands up as a top 6 player on its own irrespective of his other qualities. Another to have captaincy experience although still only 25 years old, he is a gun fielder and a tall leg spin bowler with 114 first class wickets to his name striking every 64 balls. Might be handy on day 4/5.
7. Ollie Robinson – 23 years old – Kent
Ollie has won the gloves at Kent ahead of Billings and to a degree Cox too. He is an excellent and regular keeper with good footwork. Another to have played 30 odd first class games and have 4 centuries, even more remarkable as he too has been asked to open, bat at 3, 5, 6 and 7. A real talent to invest in at age 23.
8. Brydon Carse – 26 years old – Durham
A bowler who can be genuinely fast and ‘hits the deck hard’ – the 26 year old started his cricket as a batting allrounder but has grown into his body and has a genuine ability to take wickets. So far 95 of them striking every 47 balls. As many of the quicks fall over, this is a time to invest in this serious talent.
9. George Garton – 24 years old – Sussex
Garton is still only 24 years old, he is a left arm bowler capable of being pretty quick (think similar to Mahmood). His left arm angle gives him a point of difference but added to this he is a great athlete in the field and used some of his injury down time to make sure his batting is real asset too.
10. Sam Cook – 24 years old – Essex
Sam for me goes under the radar, he Is not as quick as the pervious 2 bowlers and does not get the headlines that Harmer and Porter did/do at Essex. He is 24 years old and has 162 wickets striking every 46 balls. He is a very skilful bowler.
11. Matt Parkinson – 25 years old – Lancashire
Parky has become the England Test cricket equivalent of BIL (The Lions Rugby mascot). How he does not have a test cap is beyond me. The 25 year old leg spinner has 102 wickets from 32 matches. He takes a wicket every 50 balls, I literally do not think you could ask more from anyone.
Of course, all 11 will not play test cricket during 2022, but each of these players has a genuine and realistic chance to play test cricket if they are able to build on their performances.
New Director of Cricket, Selector, Coach … captain? Its great to have county cricket back, I hope all of these guys absolutely smash it.