A compact left-handed opening batsman much in the Graham Thorpe mould, Connor Williams has been a pillar of strength for the Baroda Ranji Trophy team over the years. A grafter more than a flamboyant strokemaker, Williams lacks the natural swing of blade that one associates with southpaws. Although his name has come up for discussion time and time again when the selectors looked for openers, it was after his performance in the 2001 Irani Trophy that things began to happen for the 28-year-old. 143 in the first innings followed by 83 in the second clinched Williams a place in the Test squad for the tour of South Africa. His twin innings however could not prevent VVS Laxman's Rest of India from winning the Irani Trophy. Though Williams did no play any Tests during his tour of the rainbow nation, his gritty knock in the Indian second innings at the Centurion 'Test' has earned him a place in the final fourteen for the first Test against England. The home series provides him with his best opportunity to grab the now vacant second opener's slot and it remains to be seen if he shall make the transition to the international stage at the end of it. In addition to opening the batting, Williams very very infrequently rolls his arm over bowling slow left-arm-orthodox. (Anand Vasu)

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Jan 4, 2008 Baroda's Connor Williams has a hit in the nets © Cricinfo Ltd

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