If there is one positive that English cricket fans should take from the abrasive tour of Australia, it is that the appetite for potential, for fresh blood has come to the forefront.
Where problems had previously looked to be solved by experience, now selectors are looking to the next generation, and where best to concentrate than the England Lions, who will begin a five-match series against Sri Lanka over the weekend.
With highly-rated all-rounder Chris Woakes at the helm, the Lions will be led well in Sri Lanka. Well-respected in the England setup, he has taken 15 international wickets, as well as enjoying time with Sydney Thunder in this winter’s Big Bash League.
Primarily a quick bowler, a good tour could see Woakes fall under the gaze of the England selectors, especially given the much-publicised struggles of Steven Finn, Chris Tremlett and Boyd Rankin.
Jonny Bairstow will be approaching the tour with a similar goal. In a year which saw him represent England firstly as a middle-order batsman and later behind the stumps, Bairstow didn’t fully impose himself on the side, looking fragile with the bat before ‘professional’ keeping displays.
The 24-year-old is nicely poised to take what is becoming an increasingly available wicketkeeping position in England’s ranks, but will have to work hard to prove his doubters wrong.
James Taylor has become a man with a point to prove to England’s selectors. Days away from an Ashes test in the summer as cover for Kevin Pietersen, he has represented his country in two Tests against South Africa, as well as ever-present for the Lions. After impressing with the bat for Nottinghamshire in all competitions since his move from neighbouring Leicestershire, the stage is set for the diminutive Taylor to grab headlines and finally force his way into the England setup for good.
Two other players vying to fill England’s future batting spots are Sam Robson and James Vince. Australian-born Robson has been in fine form for Middlesex, posting 166 in the LV= County Championship against Sussex in July. Thanks to his dual nationality, Robson represented Australia at Under 19 level, but has selected the English opening spots as his ultimate goal. During his last two outings with the EPP squad in Australia, he looked at ease against Western Australia and Queensland, hitting 108* and 102 respectively.
Vince, Hampshire’s fiery 22-year-old, averages 37.88 in first class matches, as well as appearances in the U19 World Cup. For his county, a succession of excellent seasons has seen him become indispensible and enhanced his glowing reputation.
21-year-old paceman Tymal Mills will be challenging Woakes for the spotlight, after spending the winter alongside Nottinghamshire’s Harry Gurney with the England first team to provide left-arm practice for their batsmen. A man who can consistently hit 90mph, he has drawn comparisons with Ashes-winner Mitchell Johnson and will offer the Lions another dimension in Sri Lanka.
Conditions in Sri Lanka are often far more suited to spin than seam, so Simon Kerrigan can expect to feature prominently. The track on the Dambulla stadium especially, will be liable to crumbling in the heat and offer the chance for some serious movement.
In contrast, the tour is likely to prove tough going for the Lions’ seam bowlers. The fifth match will be staged at the R. Premadasa cricket ground, a venue renowned for its lack of pace and movement. Expect to see spin in abundance and big totals in the final encounter between the two sides.