Another paceman off the Durham production line, Davies' undoubted potential was too often kept in check by a series of injuries. In 2004 and 2005 he was taking wickets for fun (50 at 18.76 and 47 at 15.55 respectively) and could have pressed for an international call-up if his fitness hadn't failed him. However, in December 2009, injuries finally worked in his favour, as he was drafted into England's Test squad as cover for James Anderson and Ryan Sidebottom.

The opportunity was due reward for his perseverance - in 2006 he spent three months in a body brace due to back problems, but returned in 2007 to help Durham to second place in the County Championship while also spending a month on loan at Northamptonshire. He came back to take 39 wickets at 15.05 in Durham's successful 2008 Championship campaign before falling to injury yet again. In 2009 he took 19 wickets from nine games but impressed enough to be included in the England Performance Programme's tour to South Africa, from where he then linked up with the Test squad.

In the event, Davies wasn't needed and suffered a further setback when he had to have an operation to remove some floating bone from his ankle in early March 2010. He recovered in time to join Durham's pre-season trip to Dubai but drifted into the second XI in the course of the season and then failed to make a single Championship appearance in 2011, having suffered a stress fracture of the foot. Davies badly needed the new start that a move to Kent, in 2012, gave him - and he made the most of an injury-free first season at Canterbury by winning the club's player of the year award.

Although not quick, Davies rarely gives batsmen a moment's peace, as indicated by his Championship figures of 36 wickets at little more than 19 runs apiece for Kent. He was a hit across all competitions and supporters were delighted when he agreed to extend his stay.
ESPNcricinfo staff