Horse & Hound
World Cup Hopefuls
by Abhinav Shankar
With the CWXI 25-man World Cup Squad just announced, Horse & Hound have decided to give you a preview of the fringe players, those attempting to push their way into the starting line-up. Here are the first six.
DJ Watt - Age 22, CW Red (RHB Moderate, RF Strike-bowler)
Career - 140 matches, 418 runs @ 11.30, 230 wickets @ 29.12, 35 catches
Season 10 - 14 matches, 10 runs @ 2.50, 13 wickets @ 50.92, 4 catches
Comments – The Red`s captain is extremely experienced even at the age of 22. He`s extremely dangerous with his quick, skidding action, moving the new-ball at will. His main problem comes with longer spells and his endless aggression that sees him bowling too short or too full. Not one to hold his tongue, what you see with Dave is what you get. His mean snarls and bouncers have batsmen jumping everywhere. Dave possesses a big throwing arm is good for a run-out chance from the boundary. Watt had a mixed Season X, not performing well personally and having his captaincy questioned throughout the season, but his career record speaks volumes.
MW DeSilva - Age 20, CW Blue (RHB Moderate, RMF)
Career – 81 matches, 2703 runs @ 38.07, 2 wickets @ 95.30, 34 catches
Season 10 - 13 matches, 301 runs @ 17.38, 2 wickets @ 22.00, 8 catches
Comments – DeSilva is another player who had a very poor last season. He only crossed fifty once, but has impressed recently against New Zealand and Holland in One-Day Internationals. DeSilva has an excellent, exciting technique, very strong square of the wicket with his wristy shots. If he can concentrate harder when he reaches the twenties and thirties, he will become a very special player. DeSilva is a solid close-in fielder and is calm under pressure. The young Blue batsman is a straightforward character who many find to be very approachable.
NL Patrick - Age 22, CW Blue (LHB Moderate, RF Economical-bowler)
Career – 101 matches, 172 runs @ 7.82, 142 wickets @ 29.18, 23 catches
Season 10 - 13 matches, 22 runs @ 8.00, 25 wickets @ 23.00, 13 catches
Comments – This tall, lean pacer gathers steepling bounce and great cut at express pace. Patrick had a spectacular Season X, containing runs and picking up key wickets. He has a superb slower-ball and is excellent at the death. His main problem is trying too hard, often straying down the leg-side to give the batsmen easy runs, often in a pressure situation. If Patrick is to step-up to the next level, greater control is needed. An excellent fielder, he is athletic and fantastic in the outfield. Nathan wears his heart on his sleeve when playing for any side, and always gives 100%.
XPA Rose - Age 21, CW Green (RHB Very-attacking, RFM Strike-bowler)
Career – 100 matches, 742 runs @ 20.05, 160 wickets @ 26.46, 23 catches
Season 10 - 12 matches, 146 runs @ 29.20, 30 wickets @ 22.60, 3 catches
Comments – Although he has not had a bright start to his International Career, Xavier looks to be the man likely to get a starting spot in crunch games at the World Cup. Although he`s a touch slower than Patrick and Watt, he has a lot more control. Rose hates to give up runs and he has an incredible knack of taking a wicket after being hit for a boundary. His lower order batting is definitely a plus for any side. Xavier has a quiet personality, likened by some to Brad Hodge.
SE Fuller - Age 22, CW Blue (RHB Attacking, RFM Economical-bowler)
Career – 68 matches, 1974 runs @ 41.13, 69 wickets @ 40.32, 25 catches
Season 10 - 16 matches, 608 runs @ 50.67, 19 wickets @ 41.95, 7 catches
Comments – The confident Blues vice-captain is seen by many as the next man to join the National Team. His no-nonsense approach to cricket is respected by many and is ruthless in a match situation, not afraid to try new things, and leads from the front with his bat. He has an outstanding career average and National Selectors have copped much criticism for his mis-treatment. Fuller is also handy with the ball, chipping in with a wicket or two almost every game. His leadership is a huge contribution to any side.
NR Hancock - Age 19, CW Colts (RHB Attacking, RMF Economical-bowler)
Career – 33 matches, 564 runs @ 28.20, 33 wickets @ 36.52, 11 catches
Season 10 - 15 matches, 297 runs @ 33, 17 wickets @ 41.18, 3 catches
Comments – Nick Hancock is a relative unknown to a lot of the cricket-following public, but if he has anything to do with it, it will all change very soon. He might not have the most impressive numbers, but Nick has shown a lot of spirit for the Under-19s in his brief career. Hancock stands up often in a big match situation and this could be vital if selected for a World Cup game. His fielding has been somewhat patchy, but this will easily improve with more practice.
Thanks Towns.
