Russell wheely lucky to escape
Smith: World T20 door skipper but he’s not FORMULA 1: BRIT’S BELGIUM DRAMA not closed on Test in our best XI CYCLING:
JOE ROOT is said to be “disappointed and frustrated” after his pleas to be included in England’s T20 plans fell on deaf ears.
BOSSES are investigating the dramatic accident involving British driver George Russell at Sunday’s Belgian GP.
Russell (above) was lucky to escape after his Williams hit Antonio Giovinazzi’s loose wheel.
The tyre was sent hurtling towards Russell at 125mph when the Italian lost control of his Alfa Romeo on the exit of Spa’s Fagnes chicane.
Wheel tethers were introduced into F1 to prevent a tyre from flying just over a year following his heartbreaking axe from the World Cup squad on the eve of the tournament.
Despite making his return against Ireland and bagging the man-ofthe-series award, Willey has been dumped from both T20 and ODI squads. Smith admitted it was difficult delivering the news to the left-armer that he did not figure in England’s plans going forward for the second time in just over a year. “It is obviously very disappointing from David’s point of view, given he is playing good cricket and still has ambitions to be in the England white-ball sides,” Smith added. “That is one of the consequences off a car during a collision, and FIA race director Michael Masi said: “It’s a concern that it happened.
“Immediately when the car arrived back our technical team started their investigation.”
F1’s governing body will be keen to get to the bottom of the heartstopping accident ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza this weekend.
The track is the fastest on the calendar – with an average lap speed of just under 160mph. to face Australia (Sept 4, 6 and 8 at Ageas Bowl) Buttler (wkt), Banton, Bairstow, Malan, Denly, Morgan (capt), Moeen, Billings, S Curran, T Curran, Rashid, Jordan, Archer, Wood. Reserves: Livingstone, Mahmood. to face Australia (11, 13, and 16 at Old Trafford)
Roy (if fit), Buttler (wkt), Banton, Bairstow, Root Morgan (capt), Moeen, Billings, S Curran, T Curran, Woakes, Archer, Wood. Reserves: Denly, Mahmood.