head coach kevin sharp believes worcestershire all-rounder ed barnard “has the potential to play at the highest level.”
barnard gave the latest demonstration of his ability with match figures of 11-89 and scores of 50 and 45 not out with the bat against somerset at the cooper associates county ground, taunton.
it followed on from his 47 wickets and nearly 600 championship runs last summer when he was voted the supporters’ association player of the year.
barnard has already represented england at under-19 level, playing in the 2014 world cup, and sharp believes full honours could come his way.
he said: the massive performance at taunton was the performance of ed barnard with the ball and the bat.
“he is a fine all-rounder with the potential to play at the highest level.
“he is a fine young cricketer, a real genuine all-rounder, he bats and bowls beautifully, a good fielder.
“the future for him is very bright.
“can he get a lions call-up soon? if he goes on performing, the answer is yes, absolutely.
“he has probably gone under the radar a little bit.
“i know he was involved at england under-19 level but he has probably gone under the radar a bit the last couple of years.
“if he keeps stacking up performances like this, then the ecb will take notice very quickly.”
sharp added: “ed is working on putting a bit of extra pace all the time. alan (richardson) is working closely with him on that.
“they are looking to try and get an extra yard from him through some technical work and barny is buying into that. that will come as the season develops.”
sharp believes that long term barnard will also move up the batting order at New Road.
he said: “can i see him batting in the top six? yes, of course. i think he is that sort of all-rounder where a lot is asked of him with the ball but batting at number six would certainly be a definite option in due course.”
