Matthew Potts has enjoyed a dream start to his England career, taking 18 wickets at an average of 26.72 in four Tests against New Zealand and India.
The 23-year-old was a somewhat surprise pick, but got his opportunity due to an injury crisis among England's fast bowlers and some stunning performances for Durham in the County Championship.
Potts picked up 35 wickets at 18.57 before making his debut and has continued his excellent form on the international stage. And Alex Lees, who is Potts' teammate with both Durham and England, believes the seamer's success is "a testament to the county game".
"It's been amazing," Lees told Mirror Sport as he took part in a media net session with Durham Cricket partners, Vertu Motors.
"When you see guys do really well and be picked off the back of form for their domestic teams, it's obviously a testament to the county game. I think on the other side of that, the wickets have actually been better this year.
"He's had to work for wickets and learn how to bowl on decent batting surfaces and that has actually put him in good stead for Test cricket. When you're in a three-man attack in Test cricket you're expected to bowl your overs.
"I'm not saying [it was the same] everywhere and in every game, but in previous years gone by sometimes it's been very conducive to seam and if you just present the seam you'll get wickets. Whereas this year he's had to learn his craft.
"He's gone into international cricket in good form, getting wickets on pretty batter friendly wickets, but he's also bowled his overs and he's learnt how to do that which has been amazing to watch.
"And he's somebody that as a young player can be around for the next 10-15 years. For English cricket we need guys like him, we need competition within the county game and the international game to make English cricket strong."
