20 Future Cricket stars- Guys to watch out for: Selecting players with an eye on the future rather than winning in the present is a tricky business. After the recent Ashes debacle many supporters of Australian cricket have been feeling a bit gloomy about the lack of young players coming through and wondering where the next star will come from. The concern is a pretty valid one and not restricted to the Aussies. Howsoever strong your national side is, you always need players knocking at the door, who inspire confidence  to be assured of your bench strength. The problem of plenty is always a welcome one in such scenarios. Much of a team’s future prospects depend on the quality of player’s coming through domestic cricket. Let us try and have an analysis on the major players who are expected to make it big at the international stage in the near future.

Here are the 20 Future Cricket stars- Guys to watch out for:

1. Sam Billings (England):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Sam-Billings.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-28418" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sam-Billings.jpg" alt="Sam Billings" width="390" height="245" sizes="(max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-28418" class="wp-caption-text">Sam Billings. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

Although England are in more than capable hands with Jos Buttler behind the stumps in ODI cricket, they must surely find a role for another wicket-keeper batsman in Billings. Both are deserving of a place in the side on batting alone, with Billings being particularly remarkable in the 2014 county season. The Kent keeper hit 458 runs in seven innings in the Royal London One-Day Cup, averaging 114.50 and with a mind boggling strike-rate of 154.20. He also hit the most sixes in the competition with 17 of them to his name.

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2. Kuldeep Yadav (India):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/01/Kuldeep-Yadav.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-9192" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kuldeep-Yadav.jpg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" width="375" height="525" sizes="(max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9192" class="wp-caption-text">Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption>

This left-arm unorthodox spin bowler better known as “the Chinaman of India” was always going to bring something interesting to the India U-19 team. His performances in last year’s tournament have not disappointed. 13 wickets including 4-10 against Papua New Guinea and 4-28 against Scotland with a hat-trick are testimony to his skill. India haven’t had many left arm leg spinners and with the talent this guy has, he is sure to make a name for himself when he gets a chance at the top level. His main strengths are immense self confidence and ability to read the batsmen’s mind.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/06/KL-Rahul.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-20705" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="398" height="254" sizes="(max-width: 398px) 100vw, 398px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-20705" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: PTI)</figcaption>

A tall, elegant right-hand batsman who can keep wicket in a crisis, KL Rahul is among the most highly rated opening batsmen in India&#8217;s next generation. Rahul was a part of India&#8217;s squad in the 2010 Under-19 World Cup and made his first-class debut later that year. Having taken a while to establish himself as a first-class cricketer, he enjoyed a breakthrough 2013-14 season, laying the foundation for Karnataka&#8217;s Ranji Trophy victory with 1033 runs. In the long format in particular, his technique and application have impressed some of Indian cricket&#8217;s most respected names. In January 2015, in his second match, he scored his maiden Test match hundred against Australia at the SCG. With age on his side, he is sure to get more opportunities.

4. Unmukt Chand (India):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Unmukt-Chand.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-26617" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Unmukt-Chand.jpg" alt="Unmukt Chand" width="378" height="285" sizes="(max-width: 378px) 100vw, 378px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-26617" class="wp-caption-text">Unmukt Chand. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

Chand is very much in the mould of many modern batsmen, who like to dominate off the front foot. That does not mean he is any less equipped off the back foot. An old head on young shoulders, Chand is already averaging above 40 in first-class cricket and has leadership potential in spades. The highlight of his career to date would have to be his stroke-filled unbeaten hundred in last year’s under 19 World Cup final against Australia. There is a level of confidence in Chand’s strokeplay that reminds us of Virat Kohli, and they have had a similar career path till now– both captaining India U-19 to World Cup victory. Despite India’s new found batting strength, Chand will get his chance at international level sooner rather than later. Definitely one to watch closely.

5. Nic Maddinson (Australia):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Nic-Maddinson-MS-Dhoni.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-28465" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Nic-Maddinson-MS-Dhoni.jpg" alt="Nic Maddinson" width="381" height="359" sizes="(max-width: 381px) 100vw, 381px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-28465" class="wp-caption-text">Nic Maddinson. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Maddinson has come to the forefront of Australian cricket supporters’ minds since his successful winter tours of the British Isles and Africa with Australia A. His first class career began with a stroke-filled hundred, but thereafter his form has been somewhat inconsistent. Maddinson is a very explosive, yet technically correct and upright player, quite similar to Shaun Marsh, possessing a very powerful off drive. He fits in well at the top of the order in limited-overs cricket. The thing that really stands out about Maddinson is his ability to score quickly while playing conventional cricket strokes, thus ensuring minimum risk.

6. Reece Topley (England):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Reece-Topley.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-28466" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Reece-Topley.jpg" alt="Reece Topley" width="395" height="535" sizes="(max-width: 395px) 100vw, 395px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-28466" class="wp-caption-text">Reece Topley. (Photo Source: PA Photos)</figcaption>

Just 21 years of age, Topley is already the subject of much hype and speculation. He has almost two full seasons of first class cricket under his belt and has 93 wickets to his name. He claimed 19 wickets at last year’s U-19 World Cup and was easily the most complete fast bowler at the tournament. Topley has more than enough pace and bowls in what coaches and media commentators call ‘the right areas’. As a left-hander, Topley has shown potential in being able to swing the ball back in to the right-hander, which will be a really damaging weapon for him going forward. He looks very likely to be the leader of the English pace attack in years to come, once James Anderson eventually retires.

7. Mitchell Marsh (Australia):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/01/Mitchell-Marsh.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-9821" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mitchell-Marsh.jpg" alt="Mitchell Marsh" width="329" height="532" sizes="(max-width: 329px) 100vw, 329px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9821" class="wp-caption-text">Mitchell Marsh. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption>

Some would argue this a highly speculative pick, given his off-field misdemeanours, and relatively underwhelming performance till date, but Marsh is a high-impact player who can do some real damage and change the game in the course of an hour. He is probably a better batsman at this stage than a bowler, ideally suited as a top six batsman and second change bowler. As a batsman he is very upright at the crease and technically correct, but can go aerial when the situation requires it. Sharp as a bowler and relatively tall, he hits the deck pretty hard off a good length. He is probably in need of that breakout, consistent season to realise his potential.

8. Paul Stirling (Ireland):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/02/Paul-Stirling.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-12835" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Paul-Stirling.jpg" alt="Paul Stirling" width="388" height="514" sizes="(max-width: 388px) 100vw, 388px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-12835" class="wp-caption-text">Paul Stirling. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption>

Probably Ireland’s star player, even more so than Kevin O’Brien. An explosive opening batsman who usually goes at a run a ball once he gets going; very much in the mould of India’s Virender Sehwag. He hits a very clean ball and has a deadly pull shot. Stirling has played quite a lot of ODI cricket already for Ireland. He looks to be one of those players who steps up to the big occasionStirling’s flighted off-spin is also handy and adds another dimension to his dynamic game. There is a chance that Stirling may be headhunted by England in coming years, particularly in the limited-over formats.

9. Sandeep Sharma (India):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Ajinkya-Rahane-Sandeep-Sharma.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-24937" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ajinkya-Rahane-Sandeep-Sharma.jpg" alt="Sandeep Sharma" width="358" height="199" sizes="(max-width: 358px) 100vw, 358px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-24937" class="wp-caption-text">Sandeep Sharma. (Photo Source: Punjab Ranji Team Twitter Handle)</figcaption>

An old school swing and seam merchant, Sharma is far from express pace, coming in around the high 120s to low 130s, but has the ability to swing the ball prodigiously both ways. Sharma is capable of hitting that awkward nagging length, which makes him quite economical as well. He is one of those bowlers who really has the potential to do some damage, particularly when the conditions suit him. The pacer has shown in first class cricket that he can adapt. Time will tell as to whether he will adapt at the highest level without express pace to fall back on, but the early signs are promising.

10. Lizaad Williams (South Africa):

Williams has serious pace for his age – he bowls around the 145 kph mark, which makes him a real standout. He bowls from a front-on action off a relatively short run-up, which means he is capable of surprising the batsmen with just how quick he is. A very skiddy customer, he is a really difficult proposition for batsmen and the type of bowler who can get something out of all types of pitches, given his extra pace.

11. Jason Holder (West Indies):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/Jason-Holder-Test.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-16347" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Jason-Holder-Test.jpg" alt="Jason holder" width="384" height="256" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-16347" class="wp-caption-text">Jason holder. (©Getty Images)</figcaption>

Big call to compare him to Joel Garner, and he might never get there, but the style is very similar. Holder stands at 6’7″, which obviously makes him a very difficult proposition to face. Needless to say, Holder obtains steep bounce and this is his major attribute at this stage of his development, while the pace is reasonable without being outstanding. His first class bowling average of 21 also makes for impressive reading. Holder can be seen being the leader of the next generation of pace bowlers for the West Indies in years to come.

12. Mominul Haque (Bangladesh):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Mominul-Haque.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-23218" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mominul-Haque.jpg" alt="Mominul Haque" width="403" height="316" sizes="(max-width: 403px) 100vw, 403px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-23218" class="wp-caption-text">Mominul Haque. (Photo Source: BCB)</figcaption>

Mominul Haque is one of very few cricketers from the coastal town of Cox&#8217;s Bazar, which is Bangladesh’s most popular tourist destination. In 2010, he was picked for the Under-19 World Cup squad and later during the year, he was included in the National Cricket Academy. In November 2014, Mominul became the fastest Bangladeshi batsman to reach 1,000 Test runs, taking 21 innings to achieve that feat. He made his first century in a Test match against New Zealand in Chittagong off just 100 balls. He will be expected to shore up Bangladesh&#8217;s batting line-up in times to come.

13. James Taylor (England):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/02/James-Taylor-98-on-WC-Debut.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-11509" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/James-Taylor-98-on-WC-Debut.jpg" alt="James Taylor" width="401" height="226" sizes="(max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-11509" class="wp-caption-text">James Taylor. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption>

James William Arthur Taylor is considered as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from England. Taylor is out to prove that when it comes to cricket size isn&#8217;t everything. Players diminutive in stature have had excellent international careers and there is no better example than Sachin Tendulkar. In 2009, Taylor became the youngest Leicestershire batsman to complete 1,000 championship runs in a season. With runs behind him, Taylor is on the threshold of becoming a permanent entity in the England Test squad for the future. He is also the youngest Leicestershire batsman to have scored a century in One Day cricket and a double century in first class cricket.

14. Matt Henry (New Zealand):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/12/Matt-Henry.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-8613" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Matt-Henry.jpg" alt="Matt Henry" width="373" height="286"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8613" class="wp-caption-text">Matt Henry. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption>

A bustling pacer, who often sets the speed gun on fire, Matt Henry, has been trumpeted in the same breath as Shane Bond. The comparisons do not end there. Henry too is prone to injuries, so much so that his career did not take off until an acute back surgery in 2012. Henry enjoyed a memorable ODI debut, snaring 4-38 to cap New Zealand&#8217;s series win over India. Despite not being picked in the final squad of 15 for 2015 Cricket World Cup, he was selected as a replacement for Adam Milne in the semi-final match against South Africa and was also a part of the team in the final against Australia.

15. Azhar Ali (Pakistan):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Azhar-Ali-ODI.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-19843" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Azhar-Ali-ODI.jpg" alt="ODIs as Captain" width="407" height="288" sizes="(max-width: 407px) 100vw, 407px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-19843" class="wp-caption-text">Azhar Ali. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption>

His solid technique and ever-lasting patience was exactly what Pakistan was searching for and his calmness at the crease perfectly suited the crucial number 3 slot. Having started as an opener in the domestic circuit, Ali grew gradually and proved to be a consistent performer in first class cricket since 2006. With a 40+ average which included 11 hundreds, a national call up was only a matter of time and it came in 2010. His tight defensive technique and robust batting style perfectly suited the conditions in Pakistan’s new home, UAE and it showed in his performances there.

16. Yasir Shah (Pakistan):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/06/Yasir-Shah-Pak-Test.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-22777" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Yasir-Shah-Pak-Test.jpg" alt="Yasir Shah" width="393" height="275" sizes="(max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-22777" class="wp-caption-text">Yasir Shah. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

Predominantly a leg-spinner who can also bat a bit, he is a big fan of Shane Warne and hopes to emulate him. Yasir Shah made his First-Class debut at the age of 15, but a chance to represent the national team came nine years later when Pakistan faced Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI series in 2011. Shah recently came into limelight with a highly successful tour of Sri Lanka where the home team struggled to pick him. The legendary Shane Warne has already predicted Shah to take more than 200 Test wickets.

17. Adrian Barath (West Indies):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Adrian-Barath.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-28469" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Adrian-Barath.jpg" alt="Adrian Barath" width="389" height="279" sizes="(max-width: 389px) 100vw, 389px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-28469" class="wp-caption-text">Adrian Barath. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption>

Barath&#8217;s name had already been heard in the cricket world much before he made his Test debut. He had caught the eye of Brian Lara, as a 11-year-old when batting in the nets. When he played his first Test eight years later, Barath showed he was well worth the hype, with a scintillating 104 at the Gabba, a performance which stood out for its poise and crisp strokeplay even as much bigger names failed miserably. The knock only justified all the excitement that Barath had drawn from his early days.

18. Imam ul Haq (Pakistan):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Imam-Ul-Haq.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-28470" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Imam-Ul-Haq.jpg" alt="Imam Ul Haq" width="402" height="240" sizes="(max-width: 402px) 100vw, 402px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-28470" class="wp-caption-text">Imam Ul Haq. (Photo Source: ICC)</figcaption>

Before the 2014 U19 World Cup began he made news as Inzamam-ul Haq’s nephew, but by the time the tournament ended, Imam’s batting skills became the talking point. The swashbuckling opener hit a century and two fifties and was the second highest run-getter in the tournament. His ability to tackle pace and spin with ease was another highlight.

19. Kagiso Rabada (South Africa):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/07/Kagiso-Rabada-ODI.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-24190" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kagiso-Rabada-ODI.jpg" alt="Kagiso Rabada" width="400" height="283" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-24190" class="wp-caption-text">Kagiso Rabada. (Photo Source: AFP)</figcaption>

The tall and well-built Johannesburg-born pacer rattled all batsmen with his raw speed and regularly clocked 140 kph during the last U-19 World Cup. Ask the Australians who felt it the most as Rabada claimed 6-25 in the semi-final. The teenager is a huge fan of Dale Steyn and looks good to step into his idol’s shoes soon. He recently made an overwhelming entry into international cricket grabbing a ODI hat-trick on debut against Bangladesh.

20. Danny Briggs (England):

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/08/Danny-Briggs.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-28471" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Danny-Briggs.jpg" alt="Danny Briggs" width="400" height="280" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-28471" class="wp-caption-text">Danny Briggs. (© Getty Images)</figcaption>

No English left arm spinner has excited quite as much at such a young age since Derek Underwood took 100 wickets for Kent in 1963. Briggs impressed all those who watched, with his calm approach in the last county season. In limited overs cricket he was splendid and was a key component of Hampshire&#8217;s Twenty20 victory last season. Briggs is accurate and gives the ball a chance to turn. England have a history of providing quality left arm spinners and Briggs can be a part of that club.

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20 Future Cricket stars- Guys to watch out for

20 Future Cricket stars- Guys to watch out for: Selecting players with an eye on the future rather than winning in the present is a tricky business. After t