England Cricket’s Test training group named
Ahead of the first of three Test matches against the West Indies in 20 days, England have named a 30 strong training group. The selected individuals will now meet at one of the bio-secure host stadiums, the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
Chosen by the selection party as players who will be considered for the Test Match series starting July 8th, the players involved can be excited by the prospect of competitive action. The group will compete in a three-day practise match starting on July 1st before the game against the West Indies.
Included in the enlarged training group are eight uncapped Test match players; James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Jamie Overton (Somerset), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Amar Virdi (Surrey), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire) and Matt Parkinson (Lancashire).
Three additional coaches will also assist in the preparation. Glen Chapple of Lancashire will help coach the bowlers whilst Gloucestershire’s Richard Dawson will work with the spinners and Kent’s Head Coach Matthew Walker will help the batsmen.
The thirty-man squad includes the fit-again duo of James Anderson and Mark Wood. Moeen Ali returns to England Test duty after a short time out due to his own.
Jofra Archer will face his team of birth for the first time in Tests and members of West Indies squad has recently stated that they will put any friendships with Archer aside during the series.
There seem to be a few issues in terms of a final XI for England to solve, with the number three batting, the wicketkeeper and the spin bowling places seemingly all up for grabs.
Training group in full: Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Dominic Bess, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Foakes, Lewis Gregory, Keaton Jennings, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Amar Virdi, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Who should make up England's top order?
Rory Burns
Fit again Burns has been the standout opener and has possibly done enough to regain his place
Dominic Sibley
Warwickshire opener Sibley had an inconsistent winter which culminated in his first Test Match hundred
Zak Crawley
Technical deficiencies meant a tough baptism in South Africa. Some time away may have helped him
Keaton Jennings
Lancashire opener Jennings enjoyed a promising start to his test career, however a dip in form lead to him being left out of recent series
Joe Denly
The experience amongst the available options, Denly has began his international career later than most. His average of 30.00 in 14 test’s may need improvement