The England Cricket Team selectors have announced a 16 man strong squad for their tour of Sri Lanka which starts in January. Along with 16 main players, seven others have been named in the reserve list considering that the covid-19 is still a major issue for players' availability.
Considering it as an acclimatizing tour before the India series begins in February, the selectors have thought of resting Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. Jos Buttler, the main wicketkeeper part of this series, might be rested for some part of the India tour as well.
"The way to think about this winter is in three blocks of two Tests: Sri Lanka, India 1 and 2, India 3 and 4," Ed Smith, the chief selector said.
"We think that's the only way to make sure we balance having the right number of resources in each position, and also getting rest into those multi-format players like Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and also Sam Curran, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, etc," he added.
Talking about Ben Stokes’ absence from the series due to his father’s death, Ed said, “It is a very difficult time for Ben and all our thoughts are with him and his family," Smith said. "[In the circumstances], it made sense for Ben to take his rest for the Sri Lankan tour, and to get ready for India."
Jonny Bairstow has found a place for the first time in the Test squad after last year’s South Africa series and he would like to make it count.
"Jonny has a really great opportunity here to get back into the Test mix as a batter, and that's a really exciting possibility for him," Smith said.
Dan Lawrence, an England Lions’ success story has also found a place in the senior side for the first time and in the absence of Ollie Pope from the main squad might get a chance as well.
"This is a great opportunity for Dan Lawrence," Smith said. "He's a really talented cricketer, a confident player in good form, and he is absolutely delighted about being selected in the full squad,” added the English selector about Lawrence.
The bowling unit has the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad along with three spinners in Jack Leach, Dom Bess, and Moeen Ali. Two express quicks in the form of Mark Wood and Ollie Stone have also found a place. The team is scheduled to play two Tests starting 14th January in Galle.
England men's Test squad: Joe Root (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Reserves: James Bracey, Mason Crane, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, Ollie Robinson, Amar Virdi.
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