Jamie Atkinson: Hong Kong

A player that seems to have been around for an age and in a way that is true, Atkinson made his international debut aged just 16. However, he finally seems to be realising his potential six years later. Still a young man Atkinson has put in a string of impressive performances over the last year both in 50 over games and most impressively in T20’s. As cricketeurope has reported, the Hong Kong captain will have the chance to impressive the county staff of Warwickshire this winter, in a trial for a county contract.

Already a regular in the English University leagues, playing for Durham MCCU in recent years, Atkinson would benefit greatly from being exposed to the rigors and demands of county cricket. This would improve not only him as a player but also Hong Kong as a cricketing nation. As Ireland has seen, the influx of county contracted players has lead to an increased professionalisation of the game. I expect Atkinson to either be playing on the county circuit in 2013 or if not playing a high standard and putting in key performances for Hong Kong in their international tournaments.

Steven Taylor: USA

Despite the horrid state of US cricket at the moment there is reason to be cheerful. Emerging from mediocrity is a homegrown player of immense talent. The ‘US Chris Gayle’ surprised everyone by turning out for the International XI that played in Pakistan this week but his ability is there for all to see. Making a name for himself as a hard hitting opener, the 18 year old from Florida has a bright future ahead of him, provided the US cricket authorities realise his potential and nurture him. He has scored many runs for the under 19 side, with big hundreds at a very fast pace.

His game is suited to the shorter game and it may be through this avenue that he can escape the farcical US system. By playing for the international XI he has put himself in the spotlight and with so many 20/20 leagues in the modern game, I would not be surprised if we saw Taylor making an appearance in one or two of them. It is too early to say that he could inspire a generation but a homegrown American player could be the thing to kick start some grass roots development. Steven Taylor looks to have career ahead of him with the US for many years to come and with some luck he could become a T20 star.

James Shannon: Ireland

Another young player to come through the fast becoming infamous Ireland youth system. Aged 22 Shannon announce himself with conviction on the Irish cricket scene with some fantastic performances both for club and country. A middle order batsman, the Belfast born Shannon has been nominated for the young Irish player of the year award for his performance for Ireland against the likes of South Africa A and the county second teams that Ireland played this year.

With more and more Irish defections to England and with the increasing reputation of Paul Stirling it may not be long before Shannon finds himself an important part of the Irish setup. He has the temperament for the longer game, a format the Ireland often lose their county stars for, this may been his chance to take the bull by the horns and nail down a place for the men in green.

Asfar Khan: Afghanistan

An 18 year old Asfar Khan announced himself to the associate and affiliate world earlier in the year with an innings that was far more mature than his years. A match winning innings against the Netherlands in the Intercontinental Cup in April ensured that the Afghan selectors had him on their minds. A relatively successful Under 19 world cup followed for the wicket-keeper batsmen from Kabul, with scored in the 30’s and 40’s without kicking on and making the big score. Since then he has played in the 50 over team and will be hoping that 2013 will be the year that he realises his potential and challenges for a regular first team place.

With the talented Mohammed Shazad in the squad, Khan will have to work both on his keeping and batting, with the intention of breaking into the team either as a keeper batsman or as a stand alone batsman. What is clear from his innings in April is that he has the raw talent that so often courses through the Afghan side and I hope that he will be coached and given the opportunity to show the world that he has the capabilities to be a top player.

Calum MacLeod: Scotland

Calum MacLeod is a Scottish player that has been around for a few years and has in the recent past faced many difficulties. A former county player MacLeod was deemed to have an action that constituted throwing, as a result he lost his county contract. Yet that did not deter the 23 year old, if anything it has spurred him on. In the years that followed his release from Warwickshire he has improved his batting significantly, so much so that he is now opening the batting for Scotland in the shorter forms of the game and attracting county interest.

With the changes in rules, Scottish cricket looks set for a transition period, one in which county players from England are set to be brought in. Yet it is key that players such a MacLeod are retained and continue to impressive. The young Scot has had a great 2012 with International and County second eleven hundreds (Northants). 2013 should be the year in which he asserts himself as an integral member of the Saltires and should he do that it won’t be long before a county contract could be coming his way once more.