YOUNG GUN TOM NOT READY FOR KP COMPARISON
GRAHAM THORPE says it’s way too early to compare Tom Banton with the great Kevin Pietersen.
But the stand-in England coach has challenged the rising star to show a live terrestrial TV audience just what he can do today in the second T20 against Pakistan.
Highly rated Banton, 21, gave a glimpse of his talent with a 42-ball 71 in Friday’s washout in the first match of the series.
It was the latest in a line of impressive white-ball knocks that have showcased not only his skill but his power which have seen him compared to KP.
Thorpe, standing in for Chris Silverwood as coach for the three-match T20 series against Pakistan, has put the brakes on expectation.
However England believe that they have a potential opener in position behind Jos Buttler and Jason Roy with the next World T20 in mind.
Thorpe (above) said: “It is very early and I would always say let him be comfortable in the environment that he is in first.
“But he is certainly talented and hungry as a player and he works well at his game.
“It is always pleasing when you see somebody perform on the big stage, especially a young lad. In this game you need to have real clarity on your strokeplay which he does. He’s powerful as well.”
Banton developed his game as a teenager with Warwickshire and then in the Somerset academy.
And watching him ramp and reverse sweep with hockey wrists it is not hard to also see elements of Jos Buttler in his play.
Thorpe said: “You saw some of the skill shots – the ramp shots he played – but the way he was incredibly clear on his plan against spin as well.”
While Sky deserve much of the credit for supporting cricket as a sport, today’s Old Trafford contest will be live on BBC – their first live cricket broadcast for 21 years.
And England are determined to make the most of the added exposure in a season blighted by coronavirus.
“It is fantastic and a great opportunity for cricket in general,” added Thorpe. “So we’ll be hoping we can put on a good show.
Banton, Dawid Malan, Sam Billings, Lewis Gregory and Saqib Mahmood should all get another run out after the frustration of not completing Friday’s match.
Thorpe and captain Eoin Morgan have urged them to grab their chance while the big guns are recuperating from Test duty.
Buttler, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Jason Roy should be back in contention for the T20s against the Aussies in September while Chris Woakes will be looking to the three ODIs which follow.
“I would imagine the Test guys will be in for selection for the Australia series but if people get injured it’s good to have people who can tuck into
those roles.”