Banton’s ready to give it a bash
TOM BANTON is hoping to add his batting pyrotechnics to England’s total cricket mix in their first 50-over action as world champions today. England face a South Africa Invitation XI in the first of back-to-back practice matches in Paarl and with Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler rested for the three-match one-day series that begins next Tuesday, Banton acknowledges his chance might come in the middle order rather than his regular position of opener. His strike rate of 176.98 at the Big Bash was the best of any batsman and led to a new two-year contract with Brisbane Heat. But the 21-year- old former England hockey youth international still sought out captain Joe Root for advice on his technique. He said: ‘My weight transfer is not been as good as I would have liked. There are always areas I can improve.’ Off the field, England will use the next couple of days to gauge Moeen Ali’s availability for the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in March. Currently on a self-inflicted break from Tests, he is contracted to play at the Pakistan Super League that month. Consideration is also being given to leg-spinner Adil Rashid. He was dropped a year ago today but the selectors have not forgotten his part in the 3-0 win over Sri Lanka earlier that winter. Lancashire seamer Saqib Mahmood, who is yet to make his ODI debut, was missing from practice yesterday due to illness. South Africa fast bowler Sisanda Magala has been dropped for not meeting the required fitness level.