The world at their feet
Over the last two weeks the Under-19 World Cup has given some of the most promising players a chance to shine
Over the last two weeks the Under-19 World Cup has given some of the most promising players a chance to shine. For some this will be the pinnacle of their career, but for others the start of a rise to the top level. Andrew McGlashan picks out eleven players who have the ability to be stars on the world stage in years to come
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There is certainly more than a hint of Virender Sehwag in the way Dhiman thrashes the new ball to all parts of the ground. Dhiman's runs came at a strike-rate of 123 and invariably gave India a flying start and put the opposition quickly on the back foot. There is no doubt he has all the strokes - his next challenge is to make sure he is selective in when he plays them as monstrous scores are beckoning. His brisk seam bowling is a useful addition to his repertoire and he showed his allround capability with 74 off 56 balls and 3 for 27 against West Indies in the quarter-final.
Cheteshwar Pujara - India
A technically correct and compact opener, Pujara was named Player of the
Tournament for his 349 runs. Like the rest of the Indian batting he failed
in the final, but that shouldn't detract from a performance that has
marked him out as a composed player. His unbeaten 129 against England was
a perfect one-day innings from an opener: cautious at first, consolidation
in the middle and an explosive finish. Some have doubts about his range of
strokes, but he couldn't have done much more over the last two weeks to put
himself on the cricketing map.
Moeen Ali - England
Ali came into the World Cup as the captain of a side that had lost 11
games on the trot on its previous tour. He had the pressure of trying to
win over his team, as well as being a crucial allrounder. From the
captaincy point of view he passed with flying colours, and his honest
post-match reactions after the humiliation by India in the semi-finals
were refreshing. His leadership was innovative and his team-mates clearly
respected him. One half-century was a disappointing return but throw in
his promising offspin and you have a versatile player.
Moises Henriques - Australia
The most complete player on show at the tournament. He arrived as the only
member of the Australian squad to have represented their state at top
domestic level, and he lived up to his billing. Always in the action,
whether leading the side from slip, opening the bowling or batting at No.
3 and 4, Henriques exuded class and maturity. The Australian management
couldn't speak highly enough of him and don't be surprised if he features at
the 2011 World Cup.
Mushfiqur Rahim - Bangladesh
It's probably slightly unfair to include him as one for the future as he
already has a Test cap under his belt, but the quality of his batting -
not to mention his tidy work behind the stumps - stood out. There was a
calmness about him at the crease and his measured 46 against Pakistan
ensured his side reached the Super League. The disappointment was that he
didn't get the opportunity in front of the TV cameras, after Bangladesh
lost in the quarter-final to England. He has not had another chance in the
senior side since his sole Test at Lord's, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he
forges a career as a specialist batsman before taking over the gloves from
Khaled Mashud.
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Eoin Morgan - Ireland
Here is another talented Irish cricketer who will eventually have a choice
to make. If he continues to score hundreds in a similar vein to his 124
against New Zealand he will start attracting attention and, as with his
Middlesex colleague Ed Joyce, England will be one of the interested
parties. However, it is four years until he qualifies so for the time
being he can focus on the World Cup in West Indies. The talk around Irish
cricket is that Morgan has the potential to be better than Joyce - he is
already performing more consistently at the same age. An Irish middle
order at Lord's is not far away.
Leon Johnson - West Indies
Many young West Indians have talked a good game but failed to deliver; you
sense there is something different about Johnson. As yet, he has
no delusions of grandeur and clearly does not mind hard work. Most
importantly for a captain he led from the front when it mattered, striking
83 in the clash with South Africa to determine the final Super League
place. The question remains, what next? Johnson needs the right
type of guidance because West Indies cricket can't afford to let talent
slip through the net.
Kanishka Chaugai - Nepal
He is unlikely to have the opportunity to grace the game at the highest
level, but Chaugai has a huge part to play in Nepal's future. This was his
third World Cup and he used all his experience to guide his side to the
Plate Championship. His flamboyant cameos launched many of Nepal's innings
in a blaze of boundaries and if he adds greater discipline he can be a
formidable player.
Piyush Chawla - India
The legspinner lived up to his reputation - one built on dismissing Sachin
Tendulkar with a googly during the Challenger Series - and finished as
India's leading wicket taker. He already has wonderful control of his
variations and is certainly not afraid to give the ball some air. No
slouch with the bat, either, and there is a formidable allrounder in the
making. There are even whispers of him being thrown into action against
England as a surprise weapon.
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Currently a bit of a one trick pony - the inswinger is basically his only delivery. But when he bowls like he did during the final that doesn't really matter. His booming deliveries had the Indian top order floundering, showing that knowing what is coming down is one thing, playing it is something else entirely. He is also not short of stamina, bowling his 10 overs straight in the semi-final and showing great intensity during his amazing spell against India.
Jamshed Ahmed - Pakistan
The Pakistan production line of talented pace bowlers continues to churn
them out. Unlike his opening partner, Jamshed already has the ability to
swing the ball both ways and, although his returns were not quite so
dramatic as Anwar, he is a more complete package. He has a bustling run
up, not dissimilar to Wasim Akram, and once he bulks out a little will be
capable of finding an extra yard of pace.
Andrew McGlashan is editorial assistant of Cricinfo
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