I think Samuels had only played 1 first class game. He was only 17 or 18 when he made his debut in Adelaide. Didn't do that badly from memory. But, I remember his first ball in test cricket was a ripper of a bouncer from Gillespie that struck him on the shoulder or something.
Ah, but he played a lovely cameo in the 1980 Gillette Cup Final, which counted for a lot in those days.
Still does count for a hell of a lot more than it should - which is nothing more than any other game.Ah, but he played a lovely cameo in the 1980 Gillette Cup Final, which counted for a lot in those days.
It showed.
He'd also smashed around a few bowlers in the 1999 World Cup for Scotland, which would have counted for something in the minds of the England selectors.
Not execrable, he averaged 29.96. The silly thing there was he'd played just 18 First-Class matches, 2 in 1998, most of the season in 1999 and a few for England A in 1999/2000.
Atherton's record was pretty damn good - averaged all but 40. The thing was, he was only just out of university. But in all of 1987, 88 and 89 he'd played plenty for both Cambridge and Lancs. If they'd just waited a bit longer... and had it been any year other than 1989 or the previous year, they probably would have.
Hollioake Jnr had played 11 First-Class games. His best haul was 4-74, his best score (and only half-century) 53. His was a crazy piece of selection, based on youth rather than skill.
Not too bad, though hardly something that screamed "Test bowler material". 29.43. Best of just 5-56 though.
Plunkett's was poor, it was patently obvious he was nowhere near Test-class, but not absolutely woeful. He averaged 31.77.
Most bangladeshis don't play FC Cricket or get 2 or 3 matches before they get there test Debut
Thought he looked quite impressive on his debut tbh. Shame he couldn't convert that attitude to the rest of his career.
Mashrafe yes, both Ashraful and Shakib had played a handful of NCL games before they got a call-up.
Ha, very good memory indeed Mr.Wright according to Richard. Remember him batting impressively a la Marshall the other day, but such specifics have slipped my mind unfortunately.
Clearly, he hadn't quite descended to the requisite level of mediocrity for the England Test side at that point!
Absolutely. Played decently thoughout that tour - certainly not outstandingly well, but he was so measured and un-rushed at the crease. Total contrast to some of his ridiculous innings' later one.
Was vaguely spoken of as an FEC if memory serves. Was profiled as such on that magazine program Gower used to front on BBC2. Went to Oxbridge, which always used to help in that regard.
