Rob Yates

A top-order batter and Warwickshire academy product, Rob Yates scored a maiden Championship hundred aged 19. He was still a Birmingham University student two years later when he rose to far greater prominence, with five centuries in Warwickshire's double-winning 2021 season - including an unbeaten 132 as the Championship was sealed at Taunton and 113 at Lord's a week later to set up victory in the Bob Willis Trophy. He also scored a maiden List A hundred during the Royal London Cup.

His efforts for the summer began in earnest with 120 not out as Warwickshire chased 256 in the fourth innings to beat reigning champions, Essex - an innings that further delayed an overdue essay for his English Language degree on the significance of gorilla chest-beating. As Warwickshire marched towards a first title since 2012, Yates' even temperament and methodical technique increasingly led him to be touted as a possible candidate for England's brittle Test batting line-up. He earned a call-up for the Lions tour of Australia that winter, and despite suffering a collapse in form in Warwickshire's disappointing 2022 Championship season, he showed his mettle when it mattered with a crucial century in their must-win final match of the season against Hampshire.
ESPNcricinfo staff