Pietersen is one of county cricket's most exciting batsmen

Kevin Pietersen

Not since Graeme Hick made his Test debut in 1991 has the prospect of a foreign-born player opting to play for England excited so much attention.

Pietersen becomes eligible in August 2004 and it will be a surprise if his elevation to the international scene is delayed for too long by the selectors.

Since leaving his native South Africa to join Notts, he has made 3,945 first-class runs at an average of 51, including an innings of 254 not out off 252 balls against Middlesex in 2002.

The 23-year-old is spending the winter with the ECB Academy squad, but still has to sort out his county situation for 2004 having asked Notts to release him from his contract.

Jones is helped off the field by medical staff at The Gabba

Simon Jones

If fate had not intervened during last winter's Ashes tour, Glamorgan paceman Jones might already be an established Test player.

His international future is uncertain, however, because of a serious knee injury suffered while fielding in Brisbane.

Former Olympic long jump champion Lyn Davies is among those who have been advising Jones, who wisely refused to rush his rehabilitation.

He is confident his knee is strong enough to withstand the rigours of bowling fast. Only time will tell, but if he is right, a long international career awaits for a player who has already shown the right temperament for Test cricket.

Sami is rapidly developing into a fearsome competitor

Mohammad Sami

In Shoaib Akhtar and Sami, Pakistan have a new ball pair which is matched by no other - in terms of sheer speed - in international cricket.

Sami showed Kent supporters what he was capable of with 15 wickets in a Championship game against Notts during the 2003 season before suffering an ankle injury.

The good news for them is that he has agreed to a full season with the county in 2004, and will then stay on in England for the ICC Champions Trophy.

Sami recently took five wickets in 11 balls in a one-day game against New Zealand and will become an even more potent force as he gains greater experience.

Oram has proved equally adept at Test and one-day cricket

Jacob Oram

New Zealand have gained a reputation for being dogged and determined competitiors in both forms of the game.

They have a number of quality all-rounders available but with Chris Cairns now a diminishing force with the ball, Oram's progress has been welcome.

An accurate fast medium bowler who uses his height to good effect, he took 14 wickets during the World Cup in South Africa.

But he is also a batsman who, although he loves to hit the ball hard, he can adapt his game to meet the demands of a situation as he showed during a recent innings of 97 against Pakistan in Hamilton.

Michael Clarke

Steve Waugh's decision to retire from international cricket has left a vacancy in the Australian middle order.

Most observers believe 22-year-old Clarke will ultimately be the man to fill it as he stands out as the brightest of the crop of young Australian batsmen.

He was named Man of the Match in only his second one-day international after scoring 75 not out against West Indies in St Lucia.

"He is undoubtedly one of the brightest new stars of international cricket" was Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove's verdict after signing Clarke for the 2004 season, and fellow Aussie Shane Warne will also be at The Rose Bowl to offer advice.

Birch has her eyes of a trip to the 2005 World Cup

Rosalie Birch

Things could hardly have gone any better for spin bowling all-rounder Birch in 2003.

She made her Test and one-day debuts for the England women's team, taking a combined total of 16 wickets in five games, and helped Sussex win the county title.

Her arrival also gives the England batting line-up extra depth and she marked her second Test appearance against South Africa with an innings of 62 at Taunton, including eight fours.

The challenge now is broaden her experience and she will have a chance when England tour South Africa in February, prior to a home series against New Zealand in the summer.