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[Johnny]

Inspired by a debate in an other thread, which players did you really not rate when they got picked for International honours, but then pleasantly surprised you by turning into one of the first names on the teamsheet.

I'll start with Paul Collingwood, who I thought was a great one day player, but wouldn't cut it in tests.

And I'll add Mark Butcher, who when he first came into test cricket as an opening batsman I though was a bit pants, but given a second chance at number 3 I thought developed into a very solid performer for England.

And then I'll go with Craig White, who I thought was a poor choice in his earlier career, but at the end of his international career actually looked up to the job.

Who else?

[Manormanic]

Not so much when they got picked for international cricket, but a few overseas players who have been very unimpressive for their counties...

Vernon Philander when he was at Middlesex was pretty woeful. 

Imran Tahir is still spoken of reverentially at Yorkshire for the abject horribleness of his two performances for us.

Paul Harris at Warwickshire was another - could not believe it when he jacked in a Kolpak contract beause he was going to play tests!

Much as I like the bloke, Matthew Hoggard seemed a terrible selection for England at first.  Of the current side, how many people really expected Trott to do what he has as well!

[dhackett89]

on todays performance faf du plessis!

[Manormanic]

agreed.  seems to be a South African thing!

[uknsaunders]

King of Spain

Made a career out of not turning the ball and being handy with the bat. At least Ash turned 1 or 2 in a million unlike Paul Harris.

I suspect KOS biggest strengths, eeking out limited ability, good organisation and common sense, may lead him to England Coach or running the game one day.

[procricket]

Alan Mullally did ok I guess
David Warner saw him a few times in 07/08 look anything other than a test cricketer a bit more like Clayton Lambert type but he has grown into a fine test match player

[uknsaunders]

this topic is crying out for a "totally overrated that never came good" alternative!

[Manormanic]

oooh, that could be fun.  Can I start with RAVI BOPARA!

[ajmw89]

this topic is crying out for a "totally overrated that never came good" alternative!

Bopara

[procricket]

Clayton lambert
Alan Igglesden
Mark Ealham
There 3 nick

[procricket]

Oh and

Carlton palmer

[dhackett89]

The aussies have a bit of a knack of it recently.

Nathan Lyon looked very average at first but seems to be settling in to a reasonable bowler.
Clint Mckay looked awful the first few times i saw him bowl but has a good one day record
and who honestly thought Shane Watson would make such a good top order bat

[procricket]

Xavier Doherty stealing a living

[Manormanic]

And yet at the other end of the spectrum they have the boy Khawaja!

[Manormanic]

Xavier Doherty stealing a living

I'll raise you Beau Casson and throw in a Bryce McGain there!