The Hundred 2023: Sam Hain – England’s Potential Choice for a Prolific Run-Scorer

English Cricket’s Rising Star: Sam Hain

In the realm of English cricket, a period of unprecedented strength has emerged. The national Test side is on an upward trajectory, while both the T20 and 50-over World Cups have been claimed by the white-ball teams.

However, it’s not just at the international level where talent is thriving. Domestic competitions are brimming with exceptional players who are pushing for their chance on the global stage. One such player making waves is Warwickshire’s Sam Hain.

A Phenomenal Performer:

Hain, aged 28, has displayed phenomenal form in recent years, consistently maintaining a List A average hovering around an impressive figure of 60 – among the best ever recorded. Despite his remarkable achievements in domestic cricket, he is yet to receive an opportunity to represent England.

An Early Discovery:

The journey of this outstanding cricketer began when former Warwickshire captain Michael Powell spotted him during a cricket exchange program at Loretto School in Edinburgh. At just fourteen years old and suffering from severe jet lag after arriving from Queensland’s Southport School in Australia, Hain showcased astonishing maturity and skill right from the start.

Powell reminisces about that fateful day saying: “He played well beyond his years. He was only fourteen when he arrived off the plane with severe jet lag. After sleeping for merely three hours, he came out to bat and scored an extraordinary 120 runs without hitting the ball in the air even once. He played on a different level, looking like a man amongst boys. Some individuals are simply born with that innate edge over others. It’s a mindset, a psychological aspect of the game – and Hain had it from day one. He could effortlessly amass significant runs.”

From Queensland to Warwickshire:

Although having British heritage granted Hain the option to join Warwickshire, his family ties in Queensland initially prevented him from considering such a move at such an early age.

Hain explains: “It took me a couple of years before I seriously considered joining Warwickshire. With my connections to the county, I approached Dougie Brown and Ashley Giles and said: ‘I’ve discovered this young talent who is definitely worth taking notice of.’ “They watched him play during that summer – I believe he featured in a second-team game in Coventry where he scored thirty-odd and twenty-odd innings. From ball one, it was evident that he belonged there,” Powell emphasizes.

Praise from Peers:

Hain’s exceptional abilities have garnered praise not just from former captain Powell but also former England batter Jonathan Trott, who played alongside Hain at Warwickshire.

“Trott marvels: “He possesses an uncanny ability to time the cricket ball perfectly. “He stands among the best players in our country and commands immense respect from fellow cricketers. “I’ve been fortunate enough to play with some extraordinarily talented individuals, and Sam Hain certainly ranks high among them. “The time is ripe for him to make his mark. All he needs is good form combined with being in the right place at the right time.” Trott adds: “His batting average consistently remains impressive; however, it would benefit him if he expands his game by scoring quicker. He should embrace a more liberated style of play and showcase his true potential.”

Furthermore, Nottinghamshire and former England bowler Jake Ball, who had the opportunity to witness Hain’s prowess while playing together for Welsh Fire in The Hundred 2022 tournament, shares his admiration:

“Sam is one of those players who possesses an astute understanding of their game. As a bowler, it becomes incredibly challenging to strategize against such individuals because they only attack when the ball is within their desired range. Sam exhibits exceptional organization in his batting approach. “He doesn’t rely on aggressive shots; instead, he focuses on displaying strength through well-calculated strokes. His calmness at the crease sets him apart from others,” Ball explains.

Hain displayed a memorable performance against Ball’s own team Nottinghamshire during a T20 Blast game in 2022 where he scored an unbeaten 112 runs off just 52 balls: “That match was significant as I noticed some changes in Sam’s usual gameplay. Previously, he would take around ten or fifteen deliveries to settle into the innings before accelerating his scoring rate. “But that time around, I witnessed him being more expansive right from the start. He targeted certain areas with precision and attacked from both ends – whether it be over extra cover or mid-wicket. “In recent years, we have seen this development in his game where he exhibits greater aggression and scores at…”