GARETH BATTY Right-arm off-break bowler; right-hand batsman

FACTFILE DOB: 13/10/1974 Team: Worcestershire Test debut: v Bangladesh at Dhaka, 2003/04 ODI debut: v Australia at Sydney, 2002/03

Batty was with his third county when he was talent-spotted by the England Academy, but he is now gaining recognition as an off-spinner in waiting.

Batty moved from Yorkshire to Surrey after just a season at Headingley.

It was not until he was released by the county champions and relocated to Worcestershire two years ago, however, that he finally saw regular first-team cricket.

His first international chance - two one-day matches against Australia in 2002/03 - proved expensive, but he looked more at home in a Test and a one-dayer in Bangladesh.

And as an able lower-order batsman he could also help to shorten England's tail.