The County Championship gets going on Friday, and after I named my three young bucks ready to make their mark, I've now picked three others who have been consistently at the top of their games over the past few years, and will all be clamouring for international honours should the chance arise...
Knocking on England's Door
James Hildreth - Somerset: After a season last year where he scored a ridiculous amount of runs, as well as scoring well for the Lions, Hildreth can't be far away from getting a call up. Helped by the handy batting conditions down at Taunton (as well as the freedom that being in a successful side gives to batting), don't count out Hildreth being called upon to fill Paul Collingwood's vacant spot in the test team if he sets off the county season at a good pace...
Jimmy Adams - Hampshire: 30 years old Jimmy Adams has certainly left his push for England recognition late, but could yet be a surprise pick. After a frankly ridiculous pair of T20 tons pushed him into the spotlight, Adams may be a dark horse to come in at the top of England's ODI order if there is a re-think in the summer. It may be unlikely, and one good summer does not a good player make, but Adams certainly isn't completely out of the running for one final shot at international glory.
Jade Dernbach - Surrey: It may be an obvious one to pick the guy who got called into the World Cup squad, but Dernbach really does tick the boxes for an ODI bowler. Keeps it tight, check. Good slower ball, check. Pretty nippy, check. South African, check. Jade seems to have the full package, and has improved leaps and bounds in the last few years, and must certainly be on the radar after excelling for the Lions and being called into the World Cup squad. And for a much better view of Jade, read Surrey Cricket Blog's thoughts on him. He's much more qualified to speak about Jade.
Check back later for some more county players to watch...
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