Phil Mustard is the latest in a long line keeper-batsman to be touted a solution to England's problems in one-day cricket. His improvement in recent seasons was rewarded with a call-up to the national side for the one-day tour of Sri Lanka in late 2007. He represented England at Under-19 level, and while initially a wicketkeeper, his batting improved considerably and he enjoyed a superb 2007 as Durham won two trophies, scoring almost 1000 first-class runs - following more than 800 in 2006 - and he starred in the final of the Friends Provident Trophy with a breezy 49.

Hampshire captain Shane Warne rates him as the best one-day wicketkeeper-batsman in England - saying he reminds him of Adam Gilchrist. Dale Benkenstein, Durham's captain, warned. "I think he has a few steps to go before he is ready for international cricket. It can also crucify you." Mustard was called up to replace the injured Matt Prior for England's one-day series against Sri Lanka in 2007. And although he kept beautifully, he failed to produce a big score. He was, though, named as back-up keeper to Prior for the subsequent Test series in Sri Lanka and again acted as understudy during the New Zealand Tests, this time to Tim Ambrose.

A talented all-round sportsman, he was at Manchester United for two years until he was 13 and then with Middlesbrough until he was 15. He still plays football in the winter to keep fit.
Martin Williamson March 2008

• Bell's form boosts Warwickshire (Jun 30, 2008)
  
• Warwickshire secure quarter-final berth (Jun 24, 2008)
  
• Powerful Morkel sinks Lancashire (Jun 17, 2008)
  
• Ambrose replaces Mustard in one-day squad (May 30, 2008)
  
• Mustard sent to hospital after nets incident (Mar 4, 2008)
  

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Jul 22, 2008 Phil Mustard loses his middle stump © Getty Images

Jul 19, 2008 Phil Mustard takes a diving catch to his left © Getty Images

Jul 4, 2008 Yasir Arafat removes Phil Mustard early in Durham's run chase © Getty Images

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