Batty makes rapid advance

Batty performed well against the Prime Minister's XI

By Ben Kunicki BBC Sport Online

When England set out for Australia, many casual cricket observers were unaware of the name of Gareth Batty.

But a series of comings and goings caused by injuries have given Batty an unexpected chance to make his mark.

England go into the one-day VB Series with Batty as their senior spinner, a meteoric rise by a player who a year ago had still to play regular first team cricket.

Batty called-up

The former Surrey man was voted Second XI player of the year in 2001, but left The Oval at the end of that season in search of greater opportunities elsewhere.

With Saqlain Mushtaq and Ian Salisbury ahead of him, the opportunities for Batty were limited despite some impressive performances for the Lions in the one-day National League.

Batty's opportunities at Surrey were restricted

Surrey's coach Keith Medlycott, a former spinner himself, admits that the county did not want Batty to leave.

"It's fair to say we wanted him to stay," he told BBC Sport Online.

"We'd worked hard with him and he'd forced his way into the one-day set-up but he wanted bowl more in four day cricket and it's probably been a wise step for him."

Heading west

Batty moved on to Worcestershire where Tom Moody, himself a former star of one-day international cricket for Australia, was delighted to have signed him.

"It was quite obvious to us that he was a talented player just bursting for an opportunity," he said.

Batty performed with credit for his new county, taking over 50 Championship wickets and earning a place in the second intake at the National Academy in Adelaide.

I think he's the kind of player that will adjust to the next level whatever's thrown at him.

Tom Moody

"The biggest difference now is that he's been given that opportunity, playing in every game for us last season," said Moody.

"He's flourished as a result and his inclusion in the National Academy was a big boost as well."

Confident character

Batty's sudden arrival on the England scene has not surprised his former coach Medlycott, who reveals that elevation to the one-day squad has been his aim for some time.

"I know his aspiration was to get into the World Cup squad and he felt he had a chance if he could put in the performances," he said.

However, Moody feels that the 24-year-old should retain broader horizons and not become bracketed as a one-day player only.

Moody was a successful one-day player himself

"I don't pigeon-hole any player and he's certainly capable of playing Test cricket, he's not a specialist at either."

Both men are convinced that Batty has the necessary character to respond to the challenge should he be called on to play despite his inexperience.

Medlycott believes Yorkshire-born Batty has great strength of character and is a valuable presence in the dressing room.

"He's got a big heart and he'll definitely take it to them if he gets the chance."

"It's a big jump just to be playing Australia who are arguably the best side of all time but it's the kind of moment that you look forward to from being eight years old."