Nick Walker

Gangly and energetic, Nick Walker proved to be the archetypal raw rookie quick bowler. In his first match for Derbyshire in 2004, he opened the bowling, snaring four wickets in Somerset's first innings. He made further impact in the return match at the County Ground, taking his first five-wicket haul and, batting at 11, hitting 80 off 57 balls. His undefeated 63 off 32 balls against Leicestershire, and clunking six off Shane Warne indicates that his batting may yet elevate him to legitimate all-rounder status. He faded after this bright start to his career and was released by Derbyshire at the end of the 2005 season. He joined Leicestershire for 2006, where he again found his opportunities limited.
Matthew Reed October 2006