10 Young Stars of World Cricket to Watch out for in 2015

The New Year beckons in the cricket world, with 2015 a chance for a number of promising individuals to make their mark in the international game.

With the Cricket World Cup around the corner as well as a full slate of games in Tests, one-day internationals and Twenty20 Internationals, there will be plenty of chances to impress.

Bearing that in mind, let’s take a look at 10 young stars—all currently aged 25 or under—to watch in the coming 12 months.

1. Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

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It may be hard to believe, given his importance to the team, but New Zealand superstar Kane Williamson is still only 24 years old.

In the No. 3 position, he has helped the Black Caps to an incredibly successful 2014 with a glut of runs.

After such a brilliant year, if he can kick on and maintain his consistency, he will definitely be one to watch in 2015.

2. Joe Burns (Australia)

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An enormously talented batsman, Australian Joe Burns made his Test debut in the recent series against India and looked encouraging.

He made two half-centuries in the game in Sydney—his second in international cricket—and looks like a long-term solution in the Baggy Green’s middle order.

3. Alex Hales (England)

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With the removal of Alastair Cook as England’s ODI captain, the onus will now be on Alex Hales to deliver on his promise in the 50-over format.

He has the ability to get his side off to explosive starts with his aggressive style of batting, so should be a force to be reckoned with this year.

4. Ehsan Adil (Pakistan)

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A young Pakistan bowler in the midst of an experienced squad, Ehsan Adil has already shown plenty of promise in limited international opportunities.

The seamer dismissed Graeme Smith off just his third ball in international cricket on debut in 2013, and having shown what he can do domestically, he will be hopeful of more of the same.

5. Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka)

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A talented all-rounder, Thisara Perera has shown plenty of promise for Sri Lanka and will want to use this year as his time to assert himself even more.

An aggressive batsman and seam bowler, Perera has shown flashes of what he can do already in international cricket.

6. Mohammed Shami (India)

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Still only 24, Mohammed Shami has shown plenty of ability in international cricket for India.

With his place secure, he will be determined to keep consistent and become an even better bowler at the top level.

7. David Miller (South Africa)

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Aggressive South African batsman David Miller showed last year in the Indian Premier League how destructive he can be, while he has had good moments in limited-overs internationals.

This year, look for him to become a very important performer for the Proteas. 

8. Anamul Haque (Bangladesh)

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Bangladesh opener Anamul Haque has shown already that he has plenty of ability, although he has been unable to produce the big scores when they count.

Having shown promise, look for Haque to impress and become even more important for the Bangladeshis. 

9. Joe Root (England)

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One of the most talented young players in the world, Joe Root has already been vital for England and is still just 24 years old.

If he can have a strong World Cup, he will continue to grow in international cricket into one of the better batsmen in the world. 

10. Pat Cummins (Australia)

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After some fitness problems, seamer Pat Cummins appears to be on the rise once again and knocking on the door for selection to Australia’s teams.

If he can stay fit and keep consistent, he may become a very good option for the Baggy Green.