Football
  • Home
  • News
  • 'It Won'T Faze Him At All', England Newcomer Matthew Potts Backed To Shine By Durham Coach

'It won't faze him at all', England newcomer Matthew Potts backed to shine by Durham coach

Matthew Potts, Durham

After thriving for Durham in Division Two of the County Championship this season, Matthew Potts was called up to the England squad to fill the void left by a number of injuries.

As England continue their rebuild under new director of cricket Rob Key, the Test squad has already undergone some changes, including a new captain and head coach.
On top of that, fresh blood has been introduced to the squad, with Durham's Matthew Potts the latest newcomer called up for the upcoming June Test against New Zealand.
The 23-year-old currently plies his trade in Division Two of the County Championship, but his impressive performances for Durham have cleary caught the eye of the international setup.
With 35 wickets at 18.57 this season it's easy to see why, and Durham's bowling coach Neil Killeen has backed Potts to settle in to his England duties with ease.
"It's won't faze him at all. When he gets to that dressing room, he'll walk in like he's been there five years," said Killeen.
"It's not about arrogance, he just knows that he deserves to be there. Injuries or no injuries, I believe Matty should be with England.
"He showed glimpses of that last year but he's trained so hard over the winter and does everything you ask and more. He's fitter, stronger, faster and he would run through a brick wall for you.
"It's been hard work for bowlers up and down the country this year. The groundstaff have produced good batting pitches and the balls haven't been the best, so if you've taken the wickets he has you have really deserved it."

Potts has helped fill the void in the England squad left by a number of injured bowlers. But while the team will certainly be without some stars, Potts will be accompanied by the two most prolific wicket-takers in England history - James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

The duo were recalled to the side after playing a limited role in the Ashes and then entirely missing out on the tour of the West Indies earlier this year.
But after working with Potts throughout his teenage years, Killeen insists Potts will thrive by learning from two greats of the sport.
"He's quick to ask questions and he just likes to be one of the lads. He's never afraid to stand up and speak up," said Killeen.
"My first memories of Matty were as a 14-year-old, a livewire, Jack the lad. Now he's one of the main characters in our dressing room."
Potts has just one week to wait until his first taste of international Test cricket, with the first Test against New Zealand scheduled for June 2.

READ MORE: England's Dom Sibley is the 'best opener in the country' says teammate Michael Burgess

    More Articles