Form register for Academy class of 2002
When England sent Alex Tudor packing on Thursday, it put the National Academy firmly in its place. The fast bowler's exclusion from the England side for the First Test meant that Andrew Flintoff was the only representative from the Academy's first intake.
Since Flintoff departed the establishment for the senior tour long before the first exams, let alone graduation, he hardly counted. The message from the England selectors was pretty clear: "Don't come round here with your fancy-dan diplomas and new-fangled ideas, thinking you're ready to play international cricket because our lads have served a proper apprenticeship." An opportunity, not to mention the point, seems to have been missed. But how have the Academy boys fared so far this summer in the proving ground that is not county cricket? Have they put pressure on the selectors? Here are their performances so far...
Ian Bell (Warwickshire, batsman)
His life has been geared towards playing cricket for England from the age of 11. Looked a certainty for the First Test but a poor start on dodgy pitches has delayed his entrance. Still young, still vulnerable, and important to avoid burdening him too much with the weight of expectation. Still...
Record this season: First class: 73 runs, average 14.6. One day: 202, 33.66
Steve Harmison (Durham, bowler)
Decidedly quick, could be alarmingly so. But still wayward and yet to knock over county batsmen regularly, shortcomings that the Academy does not seem to have rectified. But there is an oft-expressed suspicion that he may be one for the big game. Overlooking him is not the way to find out.
FC: 5 wickets, avg 40.4; OD: 7, 31.42
Simon Jones (Glamorgan, bowler)
Another of the rapid, off-the-straight brigade. But he began the season with a heartening career-best haul. If he can get the radar right and stay fit he could cause serious damage to batsmen's souls. Fitness may be biggest concern, since his body has already shown signs of fragility.
FC: 13 wickets, avg 21.38; OD: 0 for 59
Derek Kenway (Hampshire, batsman)
Word is that he was a disappointment at the Academy and if he graduated it was without honours. Has the style to be a success but seems to lack temperament and application. Poor start to season has not advanced cause and a career in county cricket beckons.
FC: 121 runs, avg 17.28; OD: 167, 27.83
Robert Key (Kent, batsman)
Apparently behind Bell in the pecking order but now is the time to select this assured, technically proficient opener. Has added shots to defensive ability and possesses self-belief gained from being a reformed character with a huge work ethic. If England do not want to select him out of position, then move an opener.
FC: 383 runs, avg 54.71; OD: 86, 17.20
Steve Kirby (Yorkshire, bowler)
Bundles of aggression and wants to bowl all day. Rumours of express pace when he burst on to the scene last summer, however, were ill-founded. May not actually be quick enough to disturb the world's best batsmen. If will was the key he would not be found wanting. Good international pitches may expose frailties.
FC: 7 wickets, avg 34.86; OD: 0 for 43
Nicky Peng (Durham, batsman)
Still only 19 and should eventually form an integral part of the England middle order. Playing for a Durham side unable to shake off the shackles of perpetual failure may not be ideal but another year in the Academy will see further progress. His batting craves more consistency.
FC: 199 runs, avg 28.43; OD: 182, 30.33
Chris Schofield (Lancashire, bowler)
Picked far too early on a whim and a yearning for wrist spin two years ago. The pity is that he has stayed still, is second choice at Lancashire and is probably a better batsman than bowler. England do want leg spin, but not just any old leg spin.
FC: 1 wicket, avg 67; OD: 4, 25.74
Andrew Strauss (Middlesex, batsman)
Turned the heads of astute observers as soon as he made his way into the Middlesex side. Not short of admirers for his natural gifts and application. Way may be blocked because of plethora of openers but it is not over for him yet and elevation to county captaincy may help.
FC: 180 runs, avg 45; OD: 56, 14.
Graeme Swann (Northants, all-rounder)
If asked three years ago about his international prospects you would have said that he would win at least 50 Test caps as off-spinning all-rounder. Now, it would hardly be surprising if he was awarded none. Oodles of confidence not matched by returns. Still has time and England need his sunny disposition.
FC 132 runs, avg 26.40; 2 wickets, avg 112.50; OD 65 runs, 13.00; 6 wickets, 19.16
Chris Tremlett (Hampshire, bowler)
Not the quickest kid on the block but his height gives him the greatest seam bowler's weapon: bounce from a length. Think McGrath. Not in that category, of course, but has decent bowling pedigree through father, Tim. Can train on to be a classic English seamer.
FC: 11 wickets, avg 31.63; OD: 7, 25.28
Alex Tudor (Surrey, bowler)
Hailed as a greased-lightning hero when picked for Test debut in Perth an aeon ago. Dropped, injured, recalled, dropped has been his fate. Injuries seem conquered, he has regained his youthful pace, started the season well and by any reasonable yardstick should have played at Lord's. Can also bat.
FC: 15 wickets, avg 17.86; OD: 0 for 150
Mark Wagh (Warwickshire, batsman)
Promised much according to reports from Academy. Then sustained knee injury in pre-season football kickabout. Now missing for three months which may be crucial to development of his career.
FC: Not played; OD: Not played
Mark Wallace (Glamorgan, wicketkeeper)
Far from the polished article and England, running scared from past mistakes, cravenly decided against picking him or anybody else in place of 39-year-old Alec Stewart in the First Test. Still rough round the edges but eager to learn and work and could well be Test keeper-batsman.
FC: 125 runs, avg 41.66. OD: Not played
Matthew Wood (Yorkshire, batsman)
Impressed during winter. Demonstrated character last season by responding with big runs in Yorkshire's Championship after two wretched seasons. Began this season with a pair as the county wilted but has hit one-day form. Plenty of grit but is not at the head of the openers' queue.
FC 19 runs, avg 4.75; OD 244, 61
Statistics do not include matches against University Centres of Excellence.
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