Ian Thomas

Ian Thomas is another highly promising, homegrown young player who could make a big name for himself in county cricket.

The left-handed batsman and off-spin bowler hails from Newport, and made his 2nd XI debut in 1996 after progressing through the ranks of the Welsh Schoolboy elevens. However, in 1997 he sustained a severe back injury, and spent several months on the sidelines.Thomas worked hard at restoring his fitness, and his efforts were rewarded with a first-class debut in 1998 in Glamorgan`s match against Cambridge University at Fenner's.

Thomas had a highly productive season with the bat for Glamorgan`s 2nd XI in 2000, hitting two centuries, and amassing over 800 runs for the 2nd XI. This sheer weight of runs forced the opening batsman into the 1st XI for the last three Championship matches of the season. He made a very encouraging start, with 82 against Essex at Southend, followed by 35 against Nottinghamshire and an unbeatan 45 against Middlesex.

His efforts secured a place on Glamorgan`s full-time staff for 2001, and after finishing his studies at UWIC, the young left-hander became the county`s regular opening batsman in one-day games in 2002. His free-scoring batting launched many important innings as the Welsh county won the Norwich Union competition in 2002. (Contributed by Andrew Hignell - October 2002)