Tom Westley is a promising young batsman who joined the Essex Academy as a 14-year-old in 2003 and has since worked his way into the first-team squad. Made his first-team debut in the one-day tourist match against Sri Lanka at Chelmsford in June 2006. Despite struggling to make the runs in the 2nd XI that his talent dictates last season he did show good signs with the ball as an off-spin bowler. Westley went to the World Cricket Academy in Mumbai as part of a five-strong Academy contingent in February 2007 having visited Perth the previous December for three weeks on a Graham Gooch Scholarship. He impressed enough there and in the indoor nets upon his return to be asked to join up with the first-team on their pre-season tour to Dubai and Abu Dhabi (and also featured in several of the pre-season matches back home).

He has impressed many a wise judge at Essex (John Childs, Paul Grayson and Graham Gooch) with his ability with the bat and they also believe he can develop into a useful off-spinner to boot (match figures of 9-91 against Middlesex in the SEC was his most impressive performance either bat or ball last season). His chances have improved with the severe losses experienced by Essex to their batting order of late in Andy Flower (retirement), Ronnie Irani (retirement), Alastair Cook (England), Ravinder Bopara (likely England ODI in the summer) but they only place their faith in youth because they have confidence in it.
Cricinfo staff April 2007

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Feb 13, 2008 Tom Westley profile picture © Getty Images

Aug 5, 2007 Tom Westley is bowled by Imad Wasim for 7 © Getty Images

Aug 5, 2007 Tom Westley bagged four wickets with his offspin © Getty Images

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