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[FattusCattus]

I got to thinking - about recent test cricketers who never really got into their stride / got the chance to shine, and I thought of a couple of examples:-

Toby Roland Jones - Another Fraser / Robinson type. A solid 3rd or 4th seamer who seamed to 'bang it into the right area' and bag a few wickets, could hold a bat too!

James Bracey - never really found out, but i reckon could've done a job with the bat at 6 or 7

Saqib Mahmood - Seems dogged by injury, but could've been a bit of a weapon with his reverse swing

Will Jacks - Well, where does he fit in - a top 5 batter who bowls decent offspin. Must he wait until Root retires?

[Jimbo]

Bracey was unfortunate, played out of position against a great team and that was his only chance. Jacks I think will feature for England for years to come when some of the current crop pack it in.

One that springs to mind is Mason Crane. Never a test cricketer but his latter white ball record is solid and he seems to have been jettisoned because of his failed stint in red ball.

[billyb]

Zafar Ansari. The most peculiar of them all.

[SD]

Simon Jones would be the one who stands out for me.

[The Cricket Boutique]

James Taylor surely in the list having just peaked

[Jimbo]

Zafar Ansari. The most peculiar of them all.

Less peculiar when you have a look at the success he's made of his post-cricket career. The article he did about packing in pro cricket is pretty good as well.

[KettonJake]

Zafar Ansari. The most peculiar of them all.

I think i would have done exactly what he did.

[golders]

This is a good and tough question!

Could we have got a couple of years out of Ian Bell?

[CTS_Alex]

Tymal Mills could have been a much better international player as well

[crystalmais]

Tragically Ben Hollioake - think he would have been a superstar

[KettonJake]

Simon Jones and Jofra are the 2 big ones i can think of.

Can't help but feel James Taylor was just on the cusp of something remarkable, even if you consider him just as a specialist short leg he had huge value to the team.

Kieswetter. Man of the match in the 2010 T20 World Cup final. The year before he qualified for England he averaged 60 in the county championship and 50 in the one day trophy.

[beaver5]

James Taylor definately. He was next in line for England captain. He was the Lions captain and I think had stood in as England captain in a few ODI's. Fantastic player, such a shame for him.

Dean Headley had is career cut short, just as he'd proved himslef at test level. Plenty of quicks due to breaking down constantly. I think the modern obsession with pumping iron hasn't helped quick bowlers.

[Buzz]

I think Sammit Patel should have had a better England career. Also Rikki Clarke.

Urm also KP and Michael Carberry.

[golders]

I think Sammit Patel should have had a better England career. Also Rikki Clarke.

Urm also KP and Michael Carberry.

Carberry could have been selected sooner too. That was frustrating

[Jimbo]

Carberry getting axed was pretty brutal, one of the only players to give a good account of himself that tour.