Not many youngsters can boast a county contract at the age of 17 but Billy Godleman is an exception. In 2005, he became the second-youngest first-class debutant for Middlesex (behind his team-mate, ST Finn), whereupon he impressed with an unbeaten 69 against Cambridge at Fenners after previously making three hundreds for Middlesex 2nd XI and earning a 1st XI call-up. Having represented England schools at Under-15s, 16s, 17s and 18s level, Godleman trained with the Under-19 squad but unfortunately missed out on a place in their 2005-06 World Cup squad. But when he earned a place in the U-19 set-up he made his mark, in 2007 scoring an unbeaten 149 in an ODI against Pakistan, the highest individual innings for England at youth level. He was selected in England's Under-19 World Cup squad in 2008.

Godleman was identified by David English as a future England player when aged 15 at a Bunbury Festival, a testament to the hard work both he and his father put into his development. A left-hand batsman with a low grip who favours scoring square of the wicket, particularly on the leg, he is one of the game's fidgets who checks his grip and equipment before every delivery.
Cricinfo staff February 2008

NBC Denis Compton Award 2005
NBC Denis Compton Award 2007

• Godleman sets up easy Middlesex win (Jun 19, 2008)
  
• Finn and Godleman in Under-19 squad (Jun 17, 2008)
  
• Shah inflicts more pain on Essex (Jun 7, 2008)
  
• Rain has the final say (May 28, 2008)
  
• Denly's century not enough (May 24, 2008)
  

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Apr 27, 2008 Billy Godleman flicks to leg during his 43 © Getty Images

Feb 27, 2008 Billy Godleman's 57 set up England's chase © International Cricket Council

Feb 13, 2008 Billy Godleman profile picture © Getty Images

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