Last summer provided an excellent opportunity for young stars of cricket to display their talents at a first-class level. Young players made headlines throughout the season as top scorers and wicket-takers.
With the 2022 LV= Insurance County Championship moving back to two divisions, there may be more chances than ever for young talent to make their mark on county cricket.
Here are five names under the age of 25 to watch out for this summer.
Tom Haines
The first name on our list will come as no surprise, as the Sussex opener was the top run scorer in the County Championship throughout 2021. The 23-year-old topped the charts with a sublime 1176 runs for the season, including six 50s and three tons.
His average of 47 and a top score of 156 also helped him earn a nomination for PCA Young Men’s Player of the Year. Despite his young age, Haines is clearly trusted by his club and was recently named Sussex captain for the County Championship.
He was the first to pass 1000 runs in 2021 and will be one of the favourites to do so again this year. Although still young, his excellent technique and ability mean he is one to keep an eye out for, especially when he’s already been tipped for a place in the England top order.
Rob Yates
In similar fashion to Haines, Rob Yates was another batter who had an impressive 2021 season. Warwickshire enjoyed a double-winning year, and the 22-year-old was one of the keys to their success.
Yates hit an unbeaten 120 early in the 2021 campaign as his side beat Essex which was their opponents’ first loss in 22 matches. He scored five centuries throughout the season, including one as Warwickshire clinched the Championship title and another in the Bob Willis Trophy.
Another player whose name has been linked with England, he’ll be looking to impress once again this summer.
Ethan Bamber
Middlesex right-armer Ethan Bamber is the first bowler on our list of ones to watch. Back in 2018, the now 23-year-old finished joint leading wicket-taker for England at the U19 World Cup. Following that performance, his opportunities were limited, but Bamber showed what he can be capable of last season.
He managed to take 52 wickets for an average of just over 20 in the 2021 County Championship with only the experienced Tim Murtagh getting more for their county. His efforts were rewarded as, part way through last season, Middlesex handed him a new contract, keeping him at Lord’s until 2024.
He may have already taken plenty of wickets in first-class cricket, but with the recent addition of Jade Dernbach as part of the Middlesex backroom staff, coupled with Murtagh at his side, Bamber will be one to watch out for with the ball this season.
Jack Blatherwick
It may have been disappointment in the Bob Willis Trophy for Lancashire, but one bright spark was the bowling of Jack Blatherwick. The youngster removed Warwickshire captain Will Rhodes when he was more than settled on 156. Sam Hain and Liam Norwell also fell to Blatherwick as he finished with three wickets.
His first-class debut came back in 2019 with Nottinghamshire, but he moved to Old Trafford before the start of last season. He was handed the job of opening Lancashire’s bowling in the Royal London Cup, but injury in a warm-up match halted his progress.
The 23-year-old did not let that stop his aspirations though. He broke into the Lancashire side for the final matches of the 2021 season, taking six wickets against Somerset in his first County Championship match for his new county. Blatherwick will take his Bob Willis Trophy performance, look to build on his place in the county side and will definitely be one to keep an eye out for over the summer.
Rehan Ahmed
England’s U19 World Cup performance will be fondly remembered by players and supporters alike. Although the youngsters could not quite get over the line in the final against India, the tournament will be remembered for giving future stars their first opportunity on the biggest of stages.
Perhaps the most stand out of those performers was Rehan Ahmed, the 17-year-old leg-spinner. He produced three consecutive innings where he took four wickets, including a semi-final masterclass: he struck three times in five balls and conceded just one run, all in the 46th over. That spell turned the match on its head and earned England victory against Afghanistan.
Ahmed also has experience around huge names in England. When he was just 13, he linked up with England at Lord’s as a net bowler and dismissed Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Sir Alastair Cook. The Leicestershire man will be hoping that more names of the like will appear on his list this summer as he looks to break into the team. After his performance at the World Cup, it may be difficult for the Foxes to leave him out.