Adam Ball

Kent had high hopes for Adam Ball. A Kentish Man from Bexley, he made his name in league cricket at a very early age. He was drafted into England's Under-19 World Cup squad in January 2010 and, two years later, he captained the side in the 2012 tournament. An aggressive left-arm quick and an improving lower-order batsman, Ball modelled his style on an Australian, Mitchell Johnson, although he has named England's Andrew Flintoff as his favourite player.

Although a promising young footballer (he played for Arsenal's academy side from Under-9 to Under-12 level), cricket won his commitment and he was named as Young Player of the Year in the Kent League in 2009. He signed a three-year deal with Kent when aged just 16.

Having made nine first-class appearances in 2011, Ball did not figure in four-day cricket for Kent in 2012. But he showed his developing maturity by remaining cool under fire during nine T20 matches - ending up as Kent's leading wicket-taker in the competition with 12 victims at a highly respectable average of 18.

Injury hampered Ball's development in 2013, but in the last County Championship match of the season his career-best 69 runs contributed to a notable victory over promoted Lancashire. He was released after the 2017 season.
ESPNcricinfo staff