England, contemporary from their depressing 50-over World Cup defence, have despatched a refreshed squad to tour the West Indies for 3 ODIs and 5 T20 internationals in December, with 22-year-old quick bowler John Turner desperate to earn a debut cap.
Turner’s choice is reward for some dazzling white-ball shows for Hampshire this summer season, most notably a return of 21 wickets in simply 11 Vitality Blast matches for the nation – having solely made his T20 debut six months in the past.
He describes his tempo as his “major strength”, although one former coach of his – ex-Durham and South Africa cricketer Dale Benkenstein – has likened his motion to Australian nice, and chief England tormenter within the Ashes, Glenn McGrath.
John Turner has drawn comparisons with Australian fast-bowling nice Glenn McGrath
“It was very nice of Benky to say that, it’s a massive pat on the back for me,” Turner informed Sky Sports activities.
“I do not know if I see that comparability with McGrath myself. But when I could be half the bowler he was, I might love that.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Michael Atherton took on Glenn McGrath in an Ashes rematch – however who got here out on high this time round?
“Motion-wise, [Hampshire bowling coach] Graeme Welch has put it extra in the direction of Anrich Nortje of South Africa, there is a little bit of resemblance there.
“If I could have a bit of both, I’d be in quite a good space going forward.”
The Johannesburg-born Turner, who qualifies for England via his Zambian mom born to English mother and father, additionally hopes to copy the fiery fast-bowling of his idol rising up, Dale Steyn.
Former South Africa quick bowler Dale Steyn is somebody who John Turner idolised rising up
“The way he bowled with the aggression, the pace, the ability and everything… he wore his heart on his sleeve and that’s something I probably do, to a certain degree,” Turner mentioned in an additional interview with the PA information company.
He added: “I’m not necessarily a traditional English bowler that’s going to try to swing it away and nick you off.
“I am simply going to attempt to hit a tough size, be constant there and bowl as quick as I can.”
England’s failure on the current World Cup, ending seventh after solely three wins in 9, has led to strategies that it could be the tip of an period by way of the core group of gamers that famously led the crew to victory on house soil in 2019.
England’s 15-man squad in India contained solely 4 gamers below the age of 30, and the touring celebration for the collection’ within the West Indies is way modified.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
England managing director Rob Key agrees with Ben Stokes that the World Cup has been a ‘catastrophe’ – and explains causes for the new-look squad
“All I can do is give my best performances and make life hard for the selectors… it definitely gives me some focus,” Turner mentioned.
“Naturally after a World Cup, there will be some form of change – some years more than others. There’s an exciting crop of players coming through. It’s quite an exciting time for English cricket.
“Clearly the World Cup was massively disappointing for everybody however, with disappointment, it opens the door for brand new alternatives and new methods for issues to be accomplished.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Former England captains Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton and Eoin Morgan focus on the crew’s poor Cricket World Cup marketing campaign in India.
Turner’s England bow may have come a few months sooner, chosen for the T20 collection towards New Zealand on the back-end of the summer season, just for a aspect pressure to rule him out and delay his debut.
He has spent the previous couple of weeks on an England Lions winter coaching camp in Abu Dhabi and may very well be handed his first worldwide cap in Sunday’s first ODI in Antigua.
“My goal going into this season was to play one or two games in the Blast and County Championship, so to have the season I had is unbelievable,” Turner informed Sky Sports activities.
“That initial call from [England Men’s selector] Luke Wright to be selected for that New Zealand series was unbelievable. If you had asked me this time last year if I saw that happening in the near future, I would have definitely said no.
“It has been a whirlwind yr however I’ve totally loved it.”
He added: “It could be a extremely proud day for myself and my household [to make my debut].
“Growing up you always want to play international cricket and on the biggest stage in the world. If that does happen, it’s something I’ll remember and cherish for the rest of my life.”
