OLLIE Wilkin has a big future ahead of him despite missing out on Middlesex's one day squad for this week’s T20 training camp in Jersey.
That is the view of Middlesex captain Neil Dexter after the county’s hierarchy opted to send Ealing CC’s talented all-rounder to second XI duties against Lancashire in Liverpool rather than putting him in the mix for selection for the Panthers’ opening game of the annual slog-a-thon against Kent at Canterbury tonight.
Wilkin produced two eye-catching performances at the tail end of last season’s T20 competition.
He shone with the ball on debut against Essex, taking 3-12 from three overs as Dexter’s side came close to pulling off an unlikely after being bowled out for 109. Then just 24 hours later the then 20-year-old was the hero of a one-wicket win over arch rivals Surrey, hitting an unbeaten 28 off 18 balls as Middlesex got home with one ball to spare.
Injuries have held him back a little in 2013, but despite this week’s omission his county skipper is well aware of the west Londoner’s qualities.
He said: "Ollie is one I have left out among the names because he has been injured a little bit early season, but he is coming through as a player. He is a mature young guy who has got a bit of aggression in him which is always nice to have available as a captain. He is an exciting player and a top fielder.
"Ollie came in last year and showed what he could do and he could be a star for the future."
