Bess ready to make England debut at Lord’s

Cricket: Captain Root praises new boy

Dom Bess will make his England debut in the first Test against Pakistan today.

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on their official Twitter account that off-spinner Bess will play at Lord’s.

The 20-year-old’s inclusion means England must choose between seamers Chris Woakes and Mark Wood to complete their team.

Captain Joe Root said of Bess: “He seems really clear about what he wants to do in the game and how to approach this week, and that’s all you can ask for from someone making their debut.

“I remember mine, you just want it to come around, to get your cap and get on with it.

“He’s approached the week really well and hopefully he can have a good start to what’s a good, long career.”

A revamped England line-up will also feature Jos Buttler at seven as a specialist batsman, with Jonny Bairstow retaining the wicketkeeping gloves.

Root said: “We want a side that covers as much as possible, that gives us the best options we can have in each department.

“Jos at seven can be an exciting and integral part of our batting unit, to take the game to the opposition from a position of strength and make it even stronger.

“The way he approaches his white-ball cricket, I think a lot of that can cross over. He’s got a good brain, a lot of experience in white-ball cricket and this is an opportunity to do that in Test cricket.”

Bairstow is adamant he can handle the pressure of moving up to number five in the batting order.

“You wouldn’t be playing at the highest level if you weren’t able to cope with the pressure,” he said. “It comes with expectation as well.” England will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing winter in Australia and New Zealand.