Just found this interesting article in the Guardian from practically 10 years ago, August 1999...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/1999/aug/24/cricket1
The author seems to be mocking Ben Hollioakes claim that English cricket is about to enter a golden era....but the results for the next five years would be steadily improving to a point where England were at the strongest position they've been for ages.
Some interesting verdicts on their 'names in the frame'....
Michael Vaughan - "He is bright, stylish and well-mannered and his batting possesses the same attributes (he also bowls useful off-spin). But he has averaged less than 30 this season and, even with half a season spent on demanding Yorkshire pitches, that is unacceptable. Kent's Robert Key, 20, lies in wait."
Andy Flintoff - "He is a hulking, destructive hitter, back in form, who must tour South Africa, and bat at No5 as a batsman who bowls a bit, not at No7 as a pretend all-rounder."
Matthew Hoggard - "He should make it, but not this winter." (at least they were right on that one)
Steve Harmison - "All it required was for Justin Langer, Middlesex's Australian batsman, to call Harmison "seriously fast" and the media took interest.....Harmison was also seriously fast on the England Under 19 tour to Pakistan three years ago, leaving it in a hurry because of homesickness."
I see they had a 20 year old Graeme Swann on their list, seven years before he got himself into the England team.
