ECB names Ones to Watch

17 April 2009

James Foster is among the eight players singled out for special attention in this year's Fiends Provident Trophy

The England and Wales Cricket Board today announced the eight Friends Provident Trophy Ones to Watch for the 2009 competition, which starts on Sunday.

The eight players were selected by members of the Sky Sports commentary team as ones to keep an eye on for the forthcoming season.

Current holders Essex Eagles boast wicketkeeper James Foster and big-hitter Graham Napier in the Ones to Watch.

Both were chosen by former England captain Nasser Hussain, who commented: “James is probably the best keeper on the county circuit and I’m delighted to see him being selected once again in England squads.

“He’s brilliant with the gloves and very good at manipulating the ball in one-day cricket with the bat. He has been very important for Essex in the last few years and I expect him to play a key role again this season.

”It was a very special night at Chelmsford last year when Graham scored that magnificent 152 not out, with 16 sixes.

“Too often we worry about what players can’t do and it’s time we focused on what they can do. Graham is a magnificent striker of a cricket ball and I expect him to do well again this season.”

Middlesex Panthers duo Steve Finn, who was also in Mike Gatting’s Friends Provident Trophy Ones to Watch last year, and Dawid Malan both impressed in 2008 and over the course of the winter to warrant their inclusion. Finn will be writing a regular online blog throughout this year’s competition.

Middlesex's Dawid Malan, who caught the eye in one-day cricket last season, is seen as One to Watch this summer

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Bowling pair Tim Bresnan and Adil Rashid head up Yorkshire Carnegie’s campaign for this year’s Friend’s Provident Trophy while opening bat Joe Denly was selected from Kent Spitfires by former England player Ian Ward.

Ward said: “We have been following Joe for a while now. He’s a real talent and a natural ball striker at the top of the order.

“He caught the eye in scoring a fantastic hundred for Kent in the Friends Provident Trophy semi-final win at Durham last year.

Lancashire’s Sajid Mahmood is the final entry into this year’s Ones to Watch, chosen by Paul Allott after impressing last year and over the winter with the England Lions squad in New Zealand.

Allott said: “Saj could still be the strike bowler England have been looking for. He has genuine pace and can get the very best batsmen out. This is a big season for him but I expect him to deliver.”

Interviews featuring all eight players and Steve Finn’s exclusive blog as well as player profiles will be available via www.ecb.co.uk and www.friendsprovident.com/cricket.