“He’s as consistent as it gets”: Gavin Hamilton backs George Hill for England
YORKSHIRE’S general manager of cricket Gavin Hamilton believes George Hill has done enough to put himself firmly into England’s thoughts.
Hamilton says there are few more deserving players in the country of international recognition than Hill, whose consistency has been rewarded with a nomination for the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) Player of the Year award.
Hill, 25, is in contention for the award alongside Nottinghamshire’s Joe Clarke, Surrey’s Dan Lawrence and Somerset’s Craig Overton, with the winner to be announced at the PCA’s annual end-of-season awards ceremony in London on Wednesday.
“I’d be very surprised if he’s not in and around some plans in the winter,” said Hamilton of the all-rounder’s England prospects.
“I just hope he gets higher honours pretty soon because there’s not many more deserving around the country than George.
“There’s a few comments around him not being quick enough as a bowler, but there’s only two or three quicker in the country, and they’re front-line opening bowlers. He opens the bowling, he bowls first change, he bats, he fields, he’s the genuine all-round cricketer.”
Hill was Yorkshire’s standout player of the season just ended. No one scored more than his 748 runs at 34.00 in the County Championship, or took more than his 48 wickets at 18.39. He also held 15 catches.
“He’s as consistent as it gets,” Hamilton added. “I can’t think of a cricketer around the country who turns it on week-in, week-out like he does with bat and ball, particularly with the ball.
“I just hope the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) can see it as well. If they’re serious about performance-based selections going forward, it’s there to be seen how good he is.”