LEGSIDE LARRY READY FOR TEST DEBUT
DAN LAWRENCE has been given a huge vote of confidence ahead of a likely Test debut on Thursday, with head coach Chris Silverwood insisting: “He’s ready.”
And Silverwood has seen up close over a long period just how ready the batsman is from their days working together as coach and player in the Essex second XI up to the England set-up.
Ex-England skipper
Alastair Cook also has confidence in his county team-mate, dubbed Legside Larry because of his ability to put away anything on his pads.
The 23-year-old’s skills in the county game came to the fore during a promotion campaign in 2016 before two championship winning seasons in 2017 and 2019 as well as a Bob Willis Trophy triumph last year.
But it was his performance on the
England Lions tour to Australia in 2020, scoring 125 from No.5 against a tough and high-quality attack that put him on course for this elevation.
Silverwood said: “I’ve known Dan for a long time now having coached the Essex 2nd team when he was coming through.
“He’s a great character and a fighter with lots of skill as well. Should he get the nod we’ve every confidence he can be successful.”