In the one-day international series in Antigua, England has unleashed the latest member of this new wave of quick bowlers, John Turner. Five England squads and 15 months after his first call-up, Turner finally earned his debut in this series. England is seeking to develop him to play in all forms. Because Turner emphatically fits within the profile of a bowler, generating good speed and sharp bounce from a repeatable action.
“After his first two one-day internationals, as they call it, the whole pace project is exciting. But in and around there’s quite a lot of us. It’s nice to have been involved in the last few months, but now to get that opportunity to play is exciting. To get your first wicket is cool and is probably a moment I’ll never forget. I think just being in and around the squads is exciting—to try and put my name in the hat for a spot on the Test team or the T20 team.
I think I’m still very raw, very young, and have a lot to learn and to improve, but it’s the best place to learn.” Turner said. For Turner, it has been an unlikely journey. He grew up in South Africa, attending Hilton College, one of the country’s great sports factories, with alumni including current Protea Lungi Ngidi and Mike Procter. Turner’s coach, the former South Africa player Dale Benkenstein, encouraged him to pursue opportunities in England.
Cricket is a stats game, but you need those attributes to prove yourself or be successful at the top level. Before you see it yourself, it’s obvious that someone sees something in you that is exciting. But I think the message is kind of just go out and enjoy yourself; there’s no pressure on us.
In county cricket, some guys are doing well, but getting opportunities in the national setup is not necessary. If you feel for them, it’s tough grinding away. Almost you’re not tall or big enough, and you’re being labeled as that’s why you’re not going to succeed. But on the flip side, I’m fortunate enough to be benefiting from this, and hopefully, just make the most of it and take whatever opportunity I’m given.
A year ago, he was part of the squad throughout the white-ball tour to the Caribbean without making it onto the pitch. During the wait, I saw a few things on Twitter asking if I existed, jokes John Turner. In the second ODI, Turner showed in a sharp new-ball spell and claimed two wickets. He also showed a quirk: his habit of sticking his tongue out when he threw the ball.
Despite the promise of his first two ODIs, his honest self-assessment was that he hoped to be faster. 84mph was Turner’s average speed, whereas he hopes to average nearer 90mph. I prefer to be high 80s. I know I hopefully get up there. But I just need to figure out and put that into practice. But then again, it’s something to improve on. It’s just trying to hit the deck hard and make life uncomfortable for the batsmen, he concluded.
