Horror show opens door for Westley
England selectors ring changes after massacre at Trent Bridge...
TOM WESTLEY will make his England debut in next week’s third Test against South Africa at The Oval after he was confirmed as the replacement for the injured Gary Ballance at number three.
The Essex batsman has been rewarded for a strong season in Division One of the County Championship, with the 28-year-old averaging 53.11, by being named in a 13-man squad that includes Middlesex batsman Dawid Malan.
Speaking on the eve of his call-up, Westley said: “I’ve felt good the last few years at Essex. I’ve scored runs for the Lions and against the touring first-class teams. I’ve been in a good space for a number of years. So if there’s ever a time to play it would be now.”
Westley saw off competition from Surrey’s Mark Stoneman to earn his call-up and it is believed his unbeaten century for England Lions against South Africa in a tour match at Worcester last month ultimately proved the difference. It also helps that Westley is a right-hander and a specialist number three. Stoneman has enjoyed a strong first season for Surrey since his move from Durham over the winter, but his 761 runs at 58.54 have come as an opener. His selection would also have seen England go into the third Test with three left-handers in their top three against a South African bowling attack that has proved adept at exploiting their weaknesses. England named their squad ahead of schedule following the 340-run defeat in the second Test at Trent Bridge. That result, which sees the
series level at 1-1 heading into the final two Tests, meant changes were always going to be likely even before Ballance was ruled out with a fractured left index finger.
The inclusion of Malan, who scored 78 on his international T20 debut against South Africa at Cardiff last month, gives England the option of playing an extra batsman in the middleorder if they decide to go with one spinner.
Liam Dawson has been named in the squad for The Oval, but his place in the team is now in danger.
Mark Wood was also included after recovering from a heel injury, but he may well be rested after taking just one wicket in the first two Tests.
That would mean a first Test appearance for Toby RolandJones, meaning that along with Westley and Malan, England could name three debutants at The Oval.
England squad for third Test at the Oval: Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Tom Westley, Joe Root (capt), Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Liam Dawson, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson, Dawid Malan, Toby RolandJones