Barney Rubble
International Coach
As someone who watches a decent amount of domestic cricket, certainly in England, I often find that there are a lot of players who get nowhere near the credit they deserve for their efforts. These aren't always the most talented players - most of them never reach international level - but they're always there to do whatever job is necessary, whenever their team needs it. This is a chance for fans of domestic (or international) teams around the world to give a "shout out" of sorts to a player who doesn't get the praise they should do. It doesn't even have to be a player the rest of us have heard of - most unsung heroes never get recognition outside their own country or even county/state side.
I'm going to start by nominating Somerset's Keith Parsons. "The original KP" as we like to call him, he's your bog-standard batting all-rounder in his mid-thirties, and is always good for a rapid 20-30 at the end of a one-day innings from no6, or for rescuing the side from a dire situation with his experience and know-how. I've watched him orchestrate many a run-chase at Taunton, and I've also seen him save us from 40-odd for 4 with a brilliant 90. He's good for a few overs with the ball, too, and has a knack of coming up with wickets just when his team needs them most. He's a good fielder, and can always be relied upon to be a committed team player and help out his captain, even though he has rarely been entrusted with the reins himself, due to his quiet and unassuming nature. If international sides were picked solely on grounds of commitment, he'd be in the England squad in a flash. He's a big part of the reason Somerset's young players are now beginning to flourish.
I'm going to start by nominating Somerset's Keith Parsons. "The original KP" as we like to call him, he's your bog-standard batting all-rounder in his mid-thirties, and is always good for a rapid 20-30 at the end of a one-day innings from no6, or for rescuing the side from a dire situation with his experience and know-how. I've watched him orchestrate many a run-chase at Taunton, and I've also seen him save us from 40-odd for 4 with a brilliant 90. He's good for a few overs with the ball, too, and has a knack of coming up with wickets just when his team needs them most. He's a good fielder, and can always be relied upon to be a committed team player and help out his captain, even though he has rarely been entrusted with the reins himself, due to his quiet and unassuming nature. If international sides were picked solely on grounds of commitment, he'd be in the England squad in a flash. He's a big part of the reason Somerset's young players are now beginning to flourish.