Sibley opts to sidestep Lions tour Down Under
DOM Sibley has withdrawn from the England Lions trip to Australia, effectively ending his Ashes hopes, with Yorkshire’s Harry Brook called up in his place.
Opener Sibley played 22 Tests before being dropped against India this summer, but was handed a lifeline when he was invited Down Under with the second string Lions.
That 14-strong group will fly out with the senior side on November 4, provide warm-up opposition and shadow the early part of the tour as ready-made reserve players, but Sibley has decided not to travel.
The 26-year-old, who averages 28.94 in his England career but 19.77 since the start of 2021, has chosen to hone his technique at home.
While that move is said to be with an eye on reclaiming his place, by removing himself from the set-up he is taking a significant gamble and allowing others such as Durham’s Alex Lees and his opening partner at Edgbaston, Rob Yates, to leapfrog him in the pecking order.
A statement from the England &
Wales Cricket Board read: “After much thought and consideration, Warwickshire batter Dom Sibley has made the decision not to tour Australia with the England Lions.
“Sibley has decided to spend the winter working on his batting at home in a bid to regain selection.”
For Brook, the news provides a chance to capitalise on a breakout season that saw him named young player of the year by both the Professional Cricketers’ Association and the Cricket Writers’ Club.
The 22-year-old made two tons and five fifties for Yorkshire in the County Championship.
■ Scotland crusied into the second phase of the T20 World Cup with an eight-wicket victory over Oman.
Somerset’s Josh Davey took three for 25 as the hosts were limited to a score of 122 before Scotland made 123 for two from 17 overs in reply.
Scotland now join Afghanistan, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and most likely Ireland or Namibia in Group Two. Bangladesh, who beat Papua New Guinea in yesterday’s earlier game, join Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies and probably Sri Lanka in Group One. Those permutations are based on Sri Lanka beating Netherlands today.