Matthew Potts — A 26-year-old pace bowler with County champs Durham. He has done enough to make a powerful case for his inclusion in England’s Ashes tour this winter. Potts is coming off an eye-grabbing performance in a recent County Championship match against Essex at Chelmsford. He made a huge impact with the ball, taking a crucial three-wicket haul.
Potts, as a further reminder, proved his bowling credentials by taking down vital Essex batters such as centurion Dean Elgar and Matt Critchley in style. It wasn’t until his fourth over that he really settled in. He forced a thick edge from Critchley to earn an arrowlike catch behind the stumps. Only two deliveries later, Potts did it again, taking Michael Pepper’s wicket in almost identical style. During his time in the attack, he ended up with figures of 3 for 95 from his 22-over spell.
Potts’ non-stop pursuit was rewarded with a goal in the final match. Specifically, he brought to an end an impressive 191-run stand between Doug Bracewell and Matt Critchley, a duo who had been causing major damage for Durham. His prowess in breaking this partnership was key in changing the tide of the game. Potts’ cross was just a thing of beauty which sent Critchley home. The batsman just padded it, completely playing down the wrong line and that ball would’ve taken out both middle and off stumps.
In addition to his scalps of Critchley and Pepper, Potts showcased his fielding acumen by having Noah Thain caught at slip by Ben McKinney in a brilliantly executed catch. His last wicket went down in style, courtesy of some beautiful spin to deceive Simon Harmer. The ball was perfectly angled, doubling Harmer’s stumps like a door hinge.
Potts’ performance couldn’t have come at a more opportune time as the England selectors cast an eye over potential candidates for the upcoming Ashes series. The England management decided to pull him out of the One-Day Internationals in Ireland next week. After all he’s their captain, so they’re building more patience with his red-ball production. The selectors are excited to see what Potts can do to make an impact in the longer format of the game. His bamboozling spell against county champions Essex was the new captain’s first proper opportunity to see the all-rounder at work.
Proudfoot is buoyed by how well the right-arm bowler has come on through the County Championship season. His recent renaissance greatly improves his prospects of making the Ashes squad. He knows how to give a great performance. With this latest display he has really cemented himself as a serious challenger for the England selectors.
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