Dom determined to pass Test and get back on England track

Cricket Reporter

DOM Bess admits he struggled to cope with being dropped by England during their tour of India but is already treating the experience as a stepping stone to the long and successful Test career he craves.

Bess started 2021 as a key member of a winning side, taking 12 wickets in the 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka and five more as Joe Root’s men sprung a major upset in Chennai.

The trip peaked when he outfoxed

India captain Virat Kohli in the first innings, but his fortunes shifted quickly. Bess struggled in the second innings, complete with a handful of errant full tosses, and paid with his place as Moeen Ali returned.

He was kept on ice for the day/night Test in Ahmedabad

– a two-day debacle for England, who gambled hard on seam on a spinner’s delight

– and drew a blank when he was recalled for the final game.

“To get removed from the side was tough and it was more tough mentally. I did struggle with that side of it,” he said.

“I was really disappointed, but Rooty and Spoons (head coach Chris Silverwood) have both said how tough it was to drop me out of that second Test. To be honest, I thought I was going to play in the third Test, but with the pink ball Dom Bess they thought it was going to swing a bit more.

“It was one of the tougher times I’ve had, but those sort of situations are going to happen again and I think as a player it’s about keeping your emotions as consistent as you can. That’s gone now and there’s no point in banging on about it, it’s done.

“Perhaps I didn’t impact games the way I would want to at times, but I did impact upon games for England. Looking back I can only see massive positives. It was a real pleasure to be there and learn.

“I know what I’ve got to do now to have a successful international career.”