Glamorgan Second XI coach Steve Watkin has seen some of his young prospects make a step up to the first-team in recent weeks, with a fair amount of success.
Two of those players, Owen Morgan (22) and Nick Selman (20), featured heavily in the first-team’s memorable win at Colwyn Bay. Selman – after hitting a maiden first-class half-century at Hove, scored another 50, while Morgan took three wickets and notched a first-class best of 40.
Watkin was impressed with the progress of both players.
He said: “They’ve basically got their rewards for some good performances in the second team. Nick Selman is one of the leading scorers in the country and Owen Morgan is doing really well in all formats. It’s great to see them both getting opportunities in the first team. And not only getting opportunities, but actually doing okay as well.”
Watkin also stressed the role of experienced players, such as Dean Cosker, playing a vital part in the Second XI, coaching and mentoring young players like Morgan – a fellow left-arm spinner.
Watkin added: “There is no substitute for experience and anytime a player of that calibre can pass on their knowledge and experience, it is invaluable.
“Owen is a very receptive character. He can take on information from anybody, but it’s also great to see him take on the right information as well.”
A landmark moment for Watkin and the Second XI this season was Glamorgan’s List A friendly against Pakistan A at Newport. With the first-team on a very rigorous playing schedule, the club used this game as a chance to pit young promising players against a high-class opposition.
Kiran Carlson, Tom Smith, Cameron Herring, Morgan, Selman and Jack Murphy made their List A debuts in the match, to the delight of coach Watkin.
He said: “To play a second string international side, from a Test playing nation is an amazing experience for the guys.
“We were a bit apprehensive before the game because only a few guys had played List A cricket before, but it was good to see some of the lads doing well. You rarely get a chance to blood as many young players at once, but with the first team having a lot of games, it was good to see.
“Kiran Carlson played in that game – he’s improving all the time and hit a very good hundred (in a Second XI game) against Kent at Canterbury.”
Watkin reiterated his desire to see the Glamorgan Second XI develop players for the future and play a supporting role to Robert Croft’s first team squad.
He added: “The job of Second XI coaches is to make sure, that if there are injuries in the first team, players are ready to come in.
“We help players get back in form and develop players so they can become first-teamers.”
With the likes of Ruaidhri Smith, Selman and Morgan pushing hard for regular inclusion in the Glamorgan side in all formats, the future looks bright for the Welsh county.
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Second XI Results In July
SECOND XI CHAMPIONSHIP
v Kent at Canterbury, July 5-7 – Kent won by 1 wicket
LIST A FRIENDLY
v Pakistan A at Newport, July 15 – Pakistan A won by 123 runs
SECOND ELEVEN TROPHY (50-OVER)
v Kent at Canterbury, July 4 – Kent won by 71 Runs
v Hampshire at Newport, July 20 – Hampshire won by 4 wickets