Anderson’s back but Saq misses out
LANCASHIRE’S James Anderson has proven his fitness and has been recalled for England’s Test tour of South Africa.
But his return to the squad means his Red Rose team-mate Saqib Mahmood misses out.
However, Lancashire spinner Matthew Parkinson, who like Mahmood has just returned from the Test and one-day tour to New Zealand, has retained his place in the squad.
Anderson, 37, suffered a calf injury while playing for the Red Rose against Durham at Sedburgh and, although he was deemed fit enough to start the first Ashes Test against Australia, suffered a reoccurrence of the problem after bowling just four overs.
England’s leading Test wicket-taker missed the rest of the series, and was left out of the touring party for the trip to New
Zealand while he worked on his recovery.
He has been in South Africa, along with fellow England seamer Mark Wood, working with Lancashire head coach Glen Chapple at a special bowling camp in order to prove his fitness.
Wood last played Test cricket in
February but has also been included in the squad for South Africa, although won’t be fully recovered for the start of the tour, which begins against a South Africa Invitational XI on December 17.
The Durham paceman has been recovering from a left knee injury and side strain sustained during the World Cup final in July.
With both seamers returning, Mahmood is the natural choice to make way.
However, it is harsh on the 22-year-old fast bowler having not played in the two Test series against New Zealand.
National selector Ed Smith said: “With James Anderson and Mark Wood returning to the squad, Saqib
Mahmood is the unfortunate player to miss out. It is not predicted that Mark will be available for selection for the earliest matches. However, he will travel with the team and continue his rehab work with the medical staff on tour.
“There is no exact date given for his return, but the medical team is working towards him becoming fully available for selection during the tour.
“With that in mind, and given the extended period that James and Mark have had on the sidelines due to injury, it was sensible to have a 17-man squad.”
Keeping his place in the squad is a huge boost for Parkinson, who has been given the nod with Moeen
Ali still not available for selection. The 23-year-old Lancashire leg-spinner didn’t play in the New Zealand Test series, but impressed during the one-day section of the tour.
Another Lancashire player, Jos Buttler is also in the squad, while Jonny Bairstow is also back.
The Yorkshire wicketkeeper was dropped for the New Zealand series after averaging 23.77 during this summer’s Ashes
– a move that backfired when newcomer Ollie Pope had to deputise behind the stumps for the second Test in Hamilton after Buttler sustained an injury.
The four-match Test series, which starts at Centurion on Boxing Day, forms part of the World Test Championship and will be the first time in the competition that England have played away from home.
Joe Root’s team will be looking to close in on India and Australia, who are currently leading the standings.