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 last five.
HG Warwick – Age 18, CW Black (RHB Very-attacking, RF Economical-bowler)
Career – 17 matches, 202 runs @ 33.67, 21 wickets @ 33.43, 1 catch
Season 10 – 14 matches, 165 runs @ 27.50, 19 wickets @ 30.26, 1 catch
Comments – Harry is arguably the most promising cricketer in all of CW Land. Many young quick bowlers have burst onto the scene, demonstrating raw pace, but not much else. Warwick back up his frightening pace in Season X with outstanding control and was one of the most consistent bowlers going around. In a season where batsmen prospered like never before, Warwick shone like a light on a hill, collecting his best figures of 5/44 in the process. He is also a capable lower-order tonking batsman, hitting a marvelous 55* for Black. His ground fielding is okay, but far too many chances were dropped, almost undoing much of his good work with the ball. This reporter tips Warwick to have a stellar Season XI, and wouldn`t be surprised if he knocked on the door for the CWXI at the end of it.
SA Bennett – Age 21, CW Red (RHB Moderate, LS Economical-bowler)
Career – 77 matches, 2043 runs @ 32.95, 76 wickets @ 36.87, 38 catches
Season 10 – 10 matches, 77 runs @ 25.67, 10 wickets @ 36.20, 2 catches
Comments – He may not have the most impressive figures of all players, but Sean Bennett is a team-player who brings many skills to the game. He has played each season with a different role, whether it be with his batting, bowling or Red court-jester. This would not have helped his statistics, but his team surely knows how invaluable he is. There are not many leg-spinning all-rounders in the system and this has certainly helped Sean`s reputation. He would like to be doing better with his spinners and greater consistency is probably needed to become of the game`s finest. Sean has a joyful, infectious attitude and is liked by most, except for the few that don`t like him.
MW Wilson – Age 20, CW Black (RHB Attacking, RFM Strike-bowler)
Career – 66 matches, 1178 runs @ 26.77, 83 wickets @ 33.30, 23 catches
Season 10 – 11 matches, 126 runs @ 14.00, 10 wickets @ 49.20, 8 catches
Comments – After such a promising start, Wilson simply seems to be falling off the pace. His first few seasons had everyone in raptures, especially Neil Pickup, who took Mike under his wing. But as mother Pickup left the nest, so did Wilson`s game. Season X was not kind to him, not finding much touch with bat or ball, achieving a highest score of only 30. This was bettered by the likes of Hoy, Hancock and somehow even Burke. Although physically at the game, Wilson`s mind often seemed elsewhere, losing concentration at crucial stages. While his fielding continues to be mind-blowing, Mike will need to work very hard in the off-season to reach his full potential.
CP Thompson – Age 20, CW Black (RHB Moderate, RF Economical)
Career – 55 matches, 973 runs @ 27.03, 64 wickets @ 36.97, 33 catches
Season 10 – 12 matches, 185 runs @ 20.56, 15 wickets @ 38.80, 6 catches
Comments – Callum`s game and attitude is freakishly similar to Wilson. His lethargy seemed to rub off on most of the Black squad during the season. When he wants, Thompson can take a match away from the opposition with bat, ball and again in the field. In all of 12 matches, Callum couldn`t once pass 50, though getting close with a 47. He is best when he`s going for his shots with little hesitiation, though in Season X he was strangely subdued. Needs more commitment in his game.
RJ Dauth – Age 20, CW Red (RHB Attacking, OS)
Career – 74 matches, 2982 runs @ 44.51, 24 catches
Season 10 – 12 matches, 580 runs @ 72.50, 5 catches
Comments – Robert would gain an incredible amount from being selected in the World Cup Squad. If not from past attitude problems, Dauth would arguably already be a regular in the team. His average in Season X was only surpassed by CWXI opening batsman and Red team-mate Ian ‘Fatty’ Markus. Rob is an exciting player to watch, strong down the ground and even better with his horizontal bat shots. He is definitely at home in One-Day cricket and improvises many shots, much to the crowd`s enjoyment. The sky is the limit for this 20 year-old, and if his occasional wild mannerisms can be tamed, I`d put money on him being a regular in the CWXI team for the next ten years.
anyway.
