Young English players to watch in 2009

It's about that time of year again. Here's my three-

Stuart Meaker

There have been many rumours about his pace, but if they are even slightly true, then England have a prospect on their hands. I think it's starting to dawn that we need bowlers who can take wickets on flat pitches, so Meaker and Chris Jordan should get plenty of opportunities for Surrey this season.

Liam Dawson

Lever and Dello will also claim him. Good talent, and good attitude from all reports. More of a batsman at this stage, but his left arm spinners have great potential. With a more imaginative national selection panel, he could even have gone to the Windies as Samit Patel's replacement instead of Gareth Batty FFS.

Sam Northeast

Considered the best under 19's batsman in the country, Northeast should get many more opportunities for Kent this summer. A correct player, and more of a four day specialist than a one day player. Has already hit something like 70 hundreds in his school and under age career.



So there you go. No real standouts, but i'm trying to select players that I didn't select last year.

Never seen the others play so they're being mentioned on just hype IMO. I don't think Meaker is anything above mid80's - this 96mph ball is bs if the few clips of him on SlurreyTV are anything to go by.

Dawson is a good prospect however.

Only other player to keep an eye out for is Chris Woakes, an excellent start to a FC career though a bit medium pacey for the U19's & needs to have put on a yard from when I last saw him.

what about ramps?

How are we classifying 'young'?

Under a specific age, or yet to be truly discovered internationally, and make it to the full squad?

If it's the latter, Will Smith is the man for me this summer.

Henry 0, Lever 1

All 3 of his picks can still be considered decent prospects... Dawson hasn't really kicked on at all however.

Meaker's been tearing them up. Has got decent pace too. Everybody picked him, though, as soon as 96 was mentioned.

JKLever wrote:Dawson hasn't really kicked on at all however.

He quite clearly has, seeing as he's now playing as a specialist batsman and has scored nearly 500 runs in the County Championship already at an average of 68. I'm not saying that's ideal for him but it's a pretty impressive record for anybody opening the batting. He was never a particularly outstanding prospect as a bowler of spin, in my opinion. I don't have a problem with Hampshire trying to mould him into a cricketer to suit them, either. I just wonder what they'll do with him once Michael Carberry makes a return.