ENGLAND MAY TURN TO STONEMAN

ENGLAND will today decide whether to put Keaton Jennings out of his misery and instead hand Mark Stoneman a golden opportunity to book an Ashes place. The dilemma for the selectors when they meet to pick their squad for the first Test against the West Indies revolves around the top-order problems that led to England effectively beating South Africa with one hand tied behind their back. England will only drop Jennings with a heavy heart because they believe in him as an opener, but could decide he will not continue after averaging just 15.87 against South Africa. That would allow another debutant in Surrey opener Stoneman, 30, to partner Alastair Cook, even though coaches have reservations about him at the highest level. Haseeb Hameed made a welcome return to form for Lancashire with an unbeaten 77 this week but England do not want to rush him back. That means Stoneman could benefit against the West Indies and earn himself a seat on the plane to Australia. Dawid Malan is sure to stay after only playing in two Tests against South Africa, but Alex Hales will be discussed as an alternative at No 5 after impressing with his attitude and runs in all forms. Chris Woakes will be considered after taking five wickets on his return from injury in Warwickshire’s victory over Middlesex, but the selectors want to be convinced about his fitness. Mason Crane will be one of three young spinners along with Somerset’s Jack Leach and Dom Bess who will practise at Edgbaston. The management are determined for Crane to play in at least one of the three Tests with a view to taking him to Australia. ENGLAND TEST SQUAD (v West Indies,

probable): Cook, Stoneman, Westley, Root (capt), Malan, Stokes, Bairstow (wkt), Moeen, Roland-Jones, Broad, Anderson, Woakes, Crane.