Interesting trialist

There was an interesting name in the second eleven that beat Somerset by three wickets at Taunton School.

At 21, Jonathan 'Jonny' Tattersall is a former England under-19 from Halifax who played but one List A game for Yorkshire before being released. A few games on trial at Durham saw runs, but his debut for Derbyshire was impressive.

Similar in build to Joe Root, Tattersall is slight and not a big hitter, but played a fine hand in the second innings, making an unbeaten 124 as opener to steer his side home. It followed on from a fine match for Greg Cork, who took four wickets in the first innings and then scored fifty in each knock.

Matt Critchley carried his fine winter into the summer months and took five second innings wickets that earned him elevation to the senior squad.

Whether Tattersall can do enough to warrant a senior contract is a moot point and it is ironic that we now seem to have options as openers for the first time in a few years.  Godleman, Slater, Hughes and Rutherford are all strong options, but the youngster, highly-regarded at one time, can do no more than score heavily and see what happens.

Having played a major role in getting England to the under-19 World Cup final in 2014, Tattersall can obviously play and I will be watching his progress with interest, as with all the young players.

They are, after all, the next generation.

Well done, lads!