England’s rising stars proved their worth in the late summer sunshine as the Three Lions secured a 48-run success over Ireland at Trent Bridge.
The historic ground has seen many a promising talent make their name before gracing the global stage for England – with including T20 World Cup winner Alex Hales a notable member of the alumni.
Today, a squad filled to the brim with potential England stars took on Ireland, with four making their international debuts.
First of the debutants in the spotlight, freshly-embroidered cap in hand, was Warwickshire man Sam Hain as England were put into bat.
Before the duo had an opportunity to showcase their skills, opener Will Jacks – a veteran of 11 international appearances – looked particularly impressive as he made a swashbuckling yet calculated 94. One final heave towards Fox Road proved too many, however, with Jacks falling short of the fence and a Trent Bridge ton.
Local man Ben Duckett got a big reception when his name was announced to the crowd, and his good form was a tonic for the Notts faithful, his accomplished 48 maintaining the momentum.
Hain was then given the chance to assume centre stage, with his performances at Trent Bridge having caused Notts Outlaws supporters many a headache in years gone by.
And it was no surprise that when the batter received his long overdue opportunity in an England shirt, he took it with both hands.
The Bears batter scored a superb 89, holding his nerve as wickets tumbled around him, before falling when looking to accelerate in pursuit of a maiden international century.
Surrey Wicketkeeper Smith was a little less successful scoring nine but with a confident performance behind the stumps you feel he will have plenty of chances to come.
With England’s turn to bowl came yet another familiar debutant in George Scrimshaw.
The seam bowler’s stints with Worcestershire and Derbyshire for several years have given him plentiful experience at the venue where he would make his debut for England.
However, he may have hoped for a slightly better start to his England career.
35 were conceded off his first 11 balls, with several extras in the process, before the twelfth offered a reprieve – Duckett taking a smart catch in the slips to dismiss Andrew Balbirnie.
This seemed to instil some confidence into Scrimshaw who, as well as improving his economy, took another wicket when he combined with local hero Duckett again to remove Lorcan Tucker.
Fellow debutant Tom Hartley maintained a tight hold on the economy rate, and was perhaps unlucky not to claim his first ODI wicket. But he was overshadowed on the day in the spin department by a four-wicket showing from Rehan Ahmed.
The 19-year-old may have been the youngest man on the field, but he became the latest to star for his nation on a ground where heroes are made as a matter of course.
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