Six cricketers to follow in 2010
It's that time of year again - the time for me to look at the talented young cricketers across the globe and pick six players who I think will make an impact in 2010.
A reminder of the format: as per previous years, I am selecting three young players making their mark on the county scene, one player from each country touring England in the summer (Bangladesh and Pakistan), and a member of the England women's team.
Last year was a typical mix of good picks and not-such-good picks: Mitchell Johnson finished the year as Test cricket's top wicket-taker in 2009 while Laura Marsh was the leading bowler in the World Cup. The other four had quieter years.
Anyway, before I give you the six, three players get honourable mentions.
Umar Akmal (the Pakistan batsman) has done everything asked of him so far for his country and is a massive prospect, while it will be fascinating to see how Rory Hamilton-Brown goes on his return to The Oval to lead Surrey after two seasons at Sussex. Leicestershire batsman James Taylor, meanwhile, had a wonderful 2009 and was voted young cricketer of the year by the Cricket Writers' Club.
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