George Scrimshaw finally put injury problems behind him to win an England ODI debut in 2023, although he endured agony of a different kind in a nervy display against Ireland at Trent Bridge. The 6ft 7in fast bowler overstepped six times in his first two overs but managed to overcome his difficulties to finish with creditable figures of 3 for 66, including the wicket to seal victory.

Scrimshaw's talent had been identified at an early age. He was given his Worcestershire T20 debut aged 19 and subsequently won selection for the ECB's 2017-18 winter pace bowling programme. But a litany of injuries - including three rounds of back surgery - led to him being released after the disrupted 2020 season.

He was picked up by Derbyshire after a trial and soon began delivering on some of his promise. In 2021, he claimed 14 wickets at 16.85 in the Blast, as well as making his first-class and List A debuts; the following year, Blast returns of 23 at 22.47 led to a first England Lions cap as well as a wildcard deal to represent Welsh Fire in the Hundred. Another solid season of T20 helped put him on the radar for England when they selected a shadow squad to face Ireland on the eve of the 50-over World Cup - but by that stage he had already decided to move on from Derbyshire, signing a three-year contract with Northants.
ESPNcricinfo staff