Windies win gives England squad poser

THE West Indies’ belated emergence as opponents of substance may have given England something to think about in their imminent limitedovers selection.

Coach Trevor Bayliss would surely have viewed the one-off Twenty20 and five one-day internationals as an opportunity to rest key men like Ben Stokes ahead of this winter’s Ashes, and take another look at some of his younger options in a squad due to be named today.

A one-sided first Test under the Edgbaston lights would have done little to change those plans – but the tourists’ superb win at Headingley, coupled with the arrival of limited-overs power hitters Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and Evin Lewis, could put Bayliss and co on their guard.

Stokes would surely relish another chapter in his fractious rivalry with Samuels, sparked by an exchange of words in the 2015 Grenada Test.

But with the Durham all-rounder so vital in all three formats, England would prefer to at least restrict his involvement – if not hold him out altogether ahead of more pressing engagements to come.

Moeen Ali’s increased all-round reliability in five-day cricket puts him in the same bracket, while it would be desirable to keep Test captain Joe Root mentally fresh for the demands of leading his side Down Under.

But with few opportunities remaining for players to round into form, the fear of taking on Australia while in any way under-cooked could lead to some involvement for the key trio.

Warwickshire’s Chris Woakes, having just returned from injury for the second Test, could be given at least September 16’s T20 international off before building fitness through the ODI series while Tom Curran, who impressed in his maiden T20 internationals against South Africa, has not played for Surrey since August 13 due to back pain.

Hampshire spinner Mason Crane, named in England’s squad for this week’s third Test and tidy at NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston on Saturday, also seems sure to play his part.