5 overseas players who can make their International debut in 2019

2018 has been a year of debuts, be it Test cricket, ODIs or fast-paced T20Is, each format has thrown up some brilliant individuals who have taken the world by storm.

It is always challenging for any youngster to continue the good work from junior level and to not get bogged down in intimidation of the international level, but certain players have come a long way in displaying the grit at such a level as well.

In such cases, the domestic T20 leagues do help, where a first-timer might get an opportunity to rub shoulders against the best in the world, even before setting upon the journey at the International level.

There is always a temptation among the stakeholders as the world looks forward to any budding cricketer that reaches the highest level with some sort of reputation along with him. The year might have ended but the journey won't stop as nations will continue to embrace upon the young talent which comes through the ranks to make a mark at the International stage.

With another great cricketing year in prospect, we take a look at some of the finest individuals who have already made the chirps at the junior levels and are capable of making it to their national sides in 2019:

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#5 Jason Sangha

One of the finest budding cricketers, the young Australian has come through the ranks to present a possible case for himself in the limited overs format for the national side. A right-handed batsman who bowls handy leg-break, Sangha is touted as the next big thing in Australian cricket.

Making his debut at a young age of 18 for New South Wales (NSW), the Australian U-19 captain scaled a new landmark by becoming the youngest man in 90 years to represent the NSW side. He even showed his captaincy skills in the U-19 World Cup, helping side to reach the finals, before losing against Prithvi Shaw's India.

He recently made his debut for Sydney Thunders in the Big Bash League (BBL) and went onto score a match-defining 63 not out to become the youngest cricketer to hit a half-century in the history of BBL. If all goes well and the young lad continues the good work, it won't be long before he finds a spot in that struggling Australian middle-order.

#4 Zahir Khan

Zahir Khan adds to Afghanistan's spin bowling reserves

Keeping the spirit of wrist-spin alive in the country, Afghanistan keeps on producing quality spinners, one after the other, who blaze the world on fire with their potent skills. The list keeps on growing after the likes of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb ur-Rahman made their mark all over the world.

To add to their spin bowling reserves, a young left-arm Chinaman in Zahir Khan is gradually making the move to stake a claim in the national side. Being a rare commodity, Zahir did make it to the test squad for the one-off test match against India but failed to make it to the starting XI.

His T20 performances have been impressive and it is only time before he breaks into the Afghanistan T20I side. It is no doubt that he will keep his senior pros on their toes to perform consistently or he will grab their spot at the highest level.

#3 Lloyd Pope

Pope registered best figures in the history of U-19 World Cup in 2018

There's no denying the fact that leg-spin bowling is currently the talk of the town. With more success to wrist-spinners these days, young bowlers are enticed towards picking it as their first choice in the art of spin bowling.

Lloyd Pope, another wrist spinner, who hails from the country of the greatest leg-spinner of all time, made news in the cricketing world earlier this year.

The 19-year old, who represented Australia in the U-19 World Cup in New Zealand, bowled a dream spell of 8 for 35 in the semifinal against England to spin his team towards the final.

Already dubbed as the next Shane Warne, Pope made his First-Class debut for South Australia in October 2018 and in only his second first-class game, took seven wickets for 87 runs against Queensland.

With the national side struggling for a quality spinner in the limited overs format, it won't be a surprise if Pope is thrown into the deep waters at the International level in the coming year.

#2 Joe Clarke

Joe Clarke is in the reckoning for the national call-up

Another bright and young prospect in the England cricket setup, Joe Clarke is a player for the ages. After a healthy amount of first-class experience in county cricket, Clarke is on the fringes of a national selection.

He made his first-class debut as a 19-year-old for Worcestershire in May 2015. Scoring tons of runs for his home county, Joe averaged almost of 40 with 12 hundreds to his name.

He has always been in the reckoning for England selection ever since youngsters Haseeb Hameed and Ben Duckett made it to the big stage. His passion and hunger to score runs keeps him in line for a probable call-up.

As a stylish middle-order batsman, Joe can be the perfect solution to England's middle-order woes and with Ashes next year, the 22-year-old would definitely aim to break the door for his inclusion in the test squad.

#1 Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer

One of the most talked-about cricketers in recent times, Jofra Archer made the news after his performances in the last edition of the Big Bash League.

A born Barbadian, Archer plays for Surrey Cricket Club as a bowling all-rounder. Predominantly a bowler, the 23-year-old has shown signs of impeccable consistency in the shorter formats of the game.

His fast, toe-crushing yorkers in the death overs have helped him come a long way in the International reckoning. Initially, he was not allowed to represent England until 2022, but ever since the change in rules, he has been available for selection.

It was his performances in the Big Bash that helped him earn a IPL contract of 7.2 crores with the Rajasthan Royals, and with his all-round abilities, it won't be astonishing if he makes the cut into the English cricket setup for the 2019 World Cup.