Casson not in the same league as predecessors

Steve James, writing in the Sunday Telegaph, thinks Beau Casson, Australia's latest spinner is not in the league of his fellow country who bowled left-arm chinamen before his arrival.

Much about Casson is ordinary. Take his character. He might appear to possess potential for the mad professor look when older, but he is certainly no eccentric like so many others to have plied his trade. Think of the dark, reclusive Michael Bevan, whom England coach Peter Moores struggled to deal with in his early years at Sussex, or the hyperactive Brad Hogg. Or even, from a bygone era, 'Chuck' Fleetwood-Smith, who ended up living under a bridge. By contrast Casson is what the Australians call 'a good kid'.

Sadly his bowling is also ordinary. As Australia's newest wrist spin bowler, the designated successor of recent retiree Stuart MacGill, Casson made his debut in the recently concluded final Test against the West Indies in Barbados. He was not particularly impressive. Dwayne Bravo took a particular fancy to him and match figures of 32-4-129-3 tell a humdrum story. That can only be good news for England ahead of next year's Ashes.