Durham's 20-year-old opener Ben McKinney is being tipped for the top after an eye-catching winter - and is ready to deal with the hype.

England look set to begin a defining year with one of their most inexperienced pace attacks in the past two decades.

WORCESTERSHIRE'S hopes were dashed as they fell to a six-wicket defeat against Durham in a gripping encounter dominated by bowlers.

WORCESTERSHIRE CCC were skittled for just 81 runs in their second innings in a six-wicket defeat against Durham in the County ...

WORCESTERSHIRE'S hopes were dashed as they fell to a six-wicket defeat against Durham in a gripping encounter dominated by ...

Ben McKinney, the Durham opener ... Coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes have brought a different perspective to ...

We know England director of cricket Rob Key is a fan ... Warwickshire in the County Championship last week. Image: Ben McKinney reminds Sky Sports' Charles Dagnall of Marcus Trescothick Speaking ...

McKinney committed to cricket at the age of 16 – given confidence by Durham's -production line which has overseen the development of Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, Paul Collingwood and Steve Harmison ...

The away side's batters found the boundary often enough to secure victory, with Ben McKinney's composed 34 runs being pivotal. The defeat was particularly frustrating for Worcestershire supporters ...

Ben McKinney, the Durham opener ... and captain Ben Stokes have brought a different perspective to English cricket. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images Jacob Bethell was selected to bat No ...