NEWS
Follow UsFour years ago, Tom Banton was dubbed England’s next superstar and by November 2020, he had 15 international caps to go along with 2 IPL appearances, all at the age of 21. By then he’d already headlined the Big Bash League (BBL) as a marquee signing too, and Banton seemed destined for big things.
However, things did not go as expected for the 24-year-old, and now, four years on, he finds himself far away from the spotlight, not seen anywhere near the national set-up.
It’s been more than a year since Banton last featured for England but despite the setback and the drastic fall, the youngster remains full of hope.
Banton, in fact, has been inspired by the rapid rise of Harry Brook, whose journey he hopes to replicate but the 24-year-old understands that despite being ‘desperate’ to make it back to the national set-up, the key for him will be to take it step-by-step.
“If you look at the journey that Harry Brook has undergone over the last year or so, that’s something that I’d really love to replicate,” Banton was quoted as saying by Somerset’s website.
“I’m desperate to get back into the England team but it’s not something I think about too much. I just want to focus on the present and do as well as I can for Somerset, rather than focusing on what’s coming up in the future.
“I believe that if I do well, score enough runs, take catches and contribute to winning games for Somerset, then that stuff takes care of itself. I’m just concentrating on what’s coming up next and getting my finger right because I can’t wait to get back playing for Somerset.”
Back in 2018/19, Banton broke into the scene as a white-ball superstar and little thought was given to the prospect of him potentially thriving as a red-ball cricketer. Banton, too, back in the day, prioritized white-ball cricket, T20s in particular.
But things have changed and the 24-year-old now has a new-found love for red-ball cricket. He’s also been inspired and excited by the brand of cricket played by the current English Test side, under Stokes and McCullum, and believes Somerset have it in them to implement ‘Bazball’.
“I love playing red ball cricket. But I find it a bit more challenging at times than white-ball cricket. I love the togetherness of the team and how you’re fighting to win a game over four days. That’s an aspect I really enjoy.
“My last red ball game was seven or eight months ago, so I’ve thought long and hard about my approach to it. Having watched a lot of the England Test players this winter, the way that they play excites me and it’s something that I want to bring into my game. I feel that’s going to get the best out of me in red-ball cricket, and with the players that we have here at Somerset we can really bring that into our team as well.”
Somerset are stacked on the batting front, meaning Banton is not guaranteed to start the County season, but that’s fine with the 24-year-old. He’s vowed to earn his spot, even if it means piling on the runs playing for the second XI.
“I know it’s not going to be easy, and I think we’re going to have to fight for our places more than perhaps we have had to in previous years. I know that if I’m doing well and scoring runs then hopefully I’ll get a chance. If not, then I’ll be in the Seconds and will have to put together some good performances to get my opportunity,” Banton said.
“It’s not helped that I broke my finger and missed out on a lot of cricket but hopefully I’ll be back soon.”
