The new County Championship season brings with it new opportunities for youngsters to impress. Those who have caught the eye, have been working hard in the nets over the winter and have moved up to the first team will be relishing the chance to show their ability.
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Here are five under the age of 22 who have a good chance of doing just that.
Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire)
England could certainly do with a fast bowler and although Mahmood has a long way to go before he can be considered, he’s certainly going about things the right way so far. The 21-year-old right-armer may have only played five first-class matches, but the excitement surrounding him is already building.
Mahmood is definitely on the radar, having been picked for England Lions’ recent tour of the West Indies and taken 4-14 in their win over Perth Scorchers in December. The Birmingham-born bowler then took a series-high nine wickets in the North’s victory over the South, including a maiden five-wicket haul of 5-60, all of which came clean-bowled.
After a near-perfect winter, surely Lancashire will be give Mahmood the chance to shine some more this season.
Hamidullah Qadri (Derbyshire)
Qadri’s story is a remarkable one. Last season the off-spinner became the first person born in the 21st century to play in the County Championship, taking 5-60 on debut to help Derbyshire to a first win in two years.
Haseeb Hameed, 20 (Lancashire)
Max Holden, 20 (Middlesex)
Aaron Thomason, 20 (Warwickshire)
Matty Potts, 19 (Durham)
Harry Brook, 19 (Yorkshire)
