Legspinner Max Waller came up through the Somerset youth ranks while he attended Millfield School where he eventually captained the first XI. He played a few games for Somerset's 2nd XI in 2007 and impressed enough to earn his first professional contract.

Being a young wrist-spinner can be a daunting experience - especially on the batting-friendly surfaces at Taunton - but Waller hasn't shirked his challenge and has been called upon to bowl in some pressure situations in Twenty20. He attended Bournemouth University and combined his studies with working part time at a local golf club.

He broke into the Somerset first team in 2009, making his first-class debut at Hove and playing four Championship matches that season. He was rewarded with a new two-year contract and spent the winter of 2009-10 on the ECB Performance Programme.

But he hasn't kicked on from his early appearances and has played only two Championship matches in the next three season, both in 2012. His 2 for 27 on debut against Sussex remained his first-class best until he took 3 for 33 against Cardiff MCCU in 2012. Resigned to the second team, he continued to perform well and was named Les Hatton second XI player of the year in 2011.

But in one-day cricket his opportunities have been greater, particularly in Twenty20 where he has a good record and took 4 for 16 against Warwickshire at Taunton in 2012.
ESPNcricinfo staff