Josh Poysden has highlighted Olly Stone’s mental strength as a key reason why his former Warwickshire team-mate stands on the verge of a successful international career with England.
Fast bowler Stone is in contention to make his Test debut in Tuesday’s clash with Sri Lanka in Galle.
It is the first of a three-match series.
Stone took one wicket in four one-day internationals against the same opponents over recent weeks, with his debut proving his standout spell as he returned 1-23 from six hostile overs.
The 25-year-old’s extra pace has long been talked about, and it is something which has attracted the attention of the England selectors.
It is far from certain he will debut at Galle, with spin expected to dominate the series.
But if and when he does play, former Bear Poysden has high hopes for a player who has had to battle back from a snapped anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, suffered in July 2016 whilst celebrating a wicket playing for Northamptonshire.
During the most recent summer, Stone claimed 43 wickets in seven Championship matches for Division Two champions Warwickshire at a remarkable average of 12.20.
“Olly’s record this year was unbelievable,” said leg-spinner Poysden, who joined Yorkshire in August.
“I know it’s in Division Two, but you can only perform against what’s in front of you. His stats were impressive, especially things like strike rate.
