The News Letter's Alistair Bushe identifies six young NCU players (in no particular order) who have big years ahead of them in 2010.
Following Keith Allen of Waringstown CC, left-arm slow bowler Jack Blakiston-Houston and batsman James Shannon, both of Instonians CC, is a second Waringstown youngster - this time opening bat and off spinner, Lee Nelson.
The Bushe Verdict: Lee Nelson - Waringstown
Like Shannon, Lee Nelson is already on the fringes of the full Ireland set-up and 2010 could be the year when he makes the breakthrough.
Earmarked for full Ireland honours from an early age, perhaps his most eye-catching performance to date came against South Africa in the Under 19 World Cup in New Zealand.
A brilliant half century there wasn't enough to stave off defeat, but was all the more impressive because it came in the face of adversity and against one of the best teams in the competition.
Profile
Date of Birth: 5/12/90
Place of Birth: Craigavon
Club: Waringstown CC
Bats: Right hand top order bat
Bowls: Off spin bowler
It's been a busy 12 months or so for the Waringstown player. With his Club in 2009, Nelson scored 484 runs from 16 innings at an average of just under 35. He took 10 wickets at an average of 21.40 and an economy rate of 4.71.
After winning the European U19 Championships with Ireland in July , Nelson was a member of the Ireland team which won the WCQ tournament hosted by Canada in September '09. There, Nelson had a top score of 55 against Afghanistan and had his best bowling performance of 4-30 against Hong Kong.
In the recent World Cup Nelson's top score was again 55 this time against South Africa and had a best bowling of 3-3 against USA.
Lee Nelson is our 4th pick from the NCU as one to watch out for in 2010 and beyond.
Interview
CP: When did you start to play?
LN: As soon as I could walk really. I grew up with the game.
CP: So cricket was in the family?
LN: My dad and uncle both played so it was sort of a family tradition.
CP: Favourite cricketer:
LN: Andrew Flintoff, just simply for the way he goes about playing the game.
CP: Biggest influence:
LN: All the coaches involved in the Irish set up right up from under 13's have helped a lot, but I think what has helped me the most, both in maturing and learning the game has been playing alongside Kyle McCallan from the start of my first eleven career at Waringstown.
It helps to have someone of that experience and ability do what you do, so you can see what way he goes about his business.
CP: How was the World Cup for you?
LN: The World Cup was a great learning experience for all of us that were involved. Obviously it would have been nice to get a major test scalp but unfortunately it wasn't to be and looking back I don't think we could have done much more in terms of our preparation or anything along those lines.
We left no stone unturned. Just against Australia and Bangladesh we came up a bit short, for a few reasons beyond our control really. We gave it 100%.
CP: I guess the 55 against South Africa was a highlight?
LN: Yea the knock against South Africa was especially pleasing more so because of the fact that we were 30/4 and ended up with 225 and sort of made you realise that you can not only compete at this level but do well and score runs.
CP: And the 3-3 against USA?!
LN: The over against the USA could have gone one of two ways at that stage of the game and luckily it went in our favour.
CP: Ambitions for 2010?
LN: To score as many runs as possible for Waringstown, win a few trophies along the way and put my name in the hat for Irish A selection in the summer.
CP: Ambitions beyond 2010?
LN: To be capped by Ireland.
CP: Highlight of your career to date?
LN: Playing in 2 under 19 World Cups.
CP: And biggest disappointment?
LN: Losing 2 senior cup finals with Waringstown.
CP: Area of the game you're looking to improve in 2010?
LN: Converting starts into big scores
CP: What else are you passionate about?
LN: Football - big Manchester United fan and also like darts and snooker as well.
CP: Besides sport what other interest do you have?
LN: Music - really into Mumford and sons at the minute.
CP: What could Irish cricket be doing to make the game more popular?
LN: I suppose that's the million dollar question!! Maybe a televised all Ireland 20/20
tournament involving the winners from each union?!
It's hard when you have certain financial restraints but I think Irish cricket is certainly moving forward.
Liam Rooney in cooperation with Lee Nelson and The News Letter's Alistair Bushe.
Copyright: Cover Point
