New kids off the blocks](http://www.wisden.com/misc/free/page.asp?colid=44120936)
A Sachin Tendulkar century or a Glenn McGrath five-for will hardly raise eyebrows, but what of the players who don’t have such an awesome reputation, and yet possess the ability to announce their presence in a big way? Here’s a look at 11 players - all of whom made their one-day international debut after 2000 - who may well emerge from World Cup 2003 with their reputations enhanced.
1 Taufeeq Umar
In a batting line-up studded with flashy strokeplayers, Taufeeq Umar provides a solidity which is invaluable. He was Pakistan’s star batsman in the recent Test series in South Africa, and while one-day cricket will require more dynamism, Taufeeq hasn’t done badly in his limited opportunities in the shorter version, hitting successive half-centuries in Zimbabwe. On pitches which might provide the seamers with early assistance, Taufeeq is the man Pakistan will want to build their innings around.
2 Michael Vaughan
His pedigree as a Test batsman needs no elaboration, but Michael Vaughan the one-day player is yet to taste similar success - three half-centuries in 21 ODIs, and an average of 22, is hardly an accurate reflection of his class. The World Cup could well change that, though. Batting at No. 3 will give Vaughan enough opportunity to play himself in, while the true pitches in South Africa should suit him down to the ground. Marcus Trescothick and Nick Knight form a dependable opening pair - Vaughan at first-drop gives England just the kind of ammunition they need to challenge the top teams.
3** Ramnaresh Sarwan**
If West Indies are being considered serious contenders for the Super Six and beyond, it’s primarily because of their powerful batting line-up, in which Ramnaresh Sarwan is a crucial cog. He was always rated a precocious talent, but it is only recently that he has looked like fulfilling that potential - he averages 100.83 in his last 10 ODIs. With Marlon Samuels missing from the line-up, and Brian Lara and Carl Hooper returning from injury lay-offs, Sarwan will have to shoulder much of the batting burden. The signs are that he is ready for the task.
4 Alok Kapali
Bangladesh’s performances in international cricket have elicited far more scorn than praise, but one player to emerge with a much-enhanced reputation is Alok Kapali. He bats with plenty of spunk, bowls tidy legspinners, and importantly, relishes a challenge. Kapali stood out as Bangladesh’s best performer in their home series against West Indies. He is already rated highly in his country; South Africa 2003 might be the stage when the world sits up and takes notice.
5 Mohammad Kaif
He can nurdle, he can slog, he can effect spectacular run-outs and catches, and best of all, he can soak up the pressure of a tight run-chase. Kaif’s steadying hand at No. 6 or 7 will be vital to India’s chances, especially in conditions where the top order might occasionally wobble. Don’t be fooled by Kaif’s lack of runs in New Zealand; that will only make him more dangerous and hungry for the World Cup.
6 Kumar Sangakkara
He is effective with the bat, handy with the gloves and chirpy with the mouth. Kumar Sangakkara’s advent has relegated Romesh Kaluwitharana to the sidelines, and while Sangakkara isn’t as explosive a batsman, he has the ingredients to score runs in South Africa - he can stand tall and play off the back foot, and is prolific square of the wicket. Plus, he is as comfortable coming in at first drop as he is batting lower down the order. It’s Sangakkara’s first World Cup, but expect him to be around for many more.
7 Jacob Oram
Jacob Oram belts the ball a long way and obtains disconcerting lift from tracks which provides a hint of assistance, but more impressive than either of those qualities is his assurance under pressure. Twice in the recent Test and one-day series against India he bailed his team out with crucial 20s in tight finishes. Only 24, Oram has already led Central Districts to the domestic one-day title. He’s a big man - 6ft 6ins - and clearly ready for bigger things.
8 Paul Collingwood
Paul Collingwood’s common-sense approach with the bat in the middle of the innings and his athleticism in the field added plenty of spark to England’s challenge in the VB Series. With question-marks hanging over the form and fitness of Craig White and Andy Flintoff - and Ronnie Irani’s disappearing act with bat and ball - Collingwood is Hussain’s best bet to fulfil the allrounder’s role. The VB Series provided unmistakeable signs of Collingwood’s ability; the World Cup might well establish him as a regular in England’s one-day line-up.
9 Shane Bond
One of the most exciting new talents to emerge in 2002, Shane Bond has been instrumental in transforming New Zealand’s attack from one which was merely honest to one which is now incisive. A strike rate of a wicket every four-and-a-half overs, and nearly two per match, means that Stephen Fleming will be leaning on him to deliver the early punches. And on the bouncy South African pitches, Bond’s effectiveness will probably dictate, to a large extent, how far New Zealand progress.
10 Zaheer Khan
India’s most-improved cricketer over the past year, Zaheer Khan has added consistency and cunning to a repertoire which already included pace, swing and plenty of spirit. Javagal Srinath may be more experienced, but when it comes to bowling at the death, most Indians will feel more comfortable when they see Zaheer charging in. India’s bowlers have often been accused of being toothless, but if Zaheer is fully fit, he could turn out to be the surprise packet among all the seamers on view in the World Cup.
11 Jermaine Lawson
His international experience is limited to four Tests and five ODIs, but even in that short span, Jermaine Lawson has done enough to suggest that he has the ability to spearhead the West Indian attack. He is pacy, can move the ball both ways, and isn’t afraid to ruffle up batsmen with the short stuff. The opposition he’ll come up against in South Africa will be far tougher than the Bangladeshis, against whom he returned incredible figures of 6 for 3 in a Test, but Lawson should hardly feel out of place. After all, his first two international wickets were Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.