Bess: Being axed was tough but I’m ready now

DOM BESS admits he was surprised to be dropped by England and that it has been “tough to watch” the two Tests he has missed but says he is in a “great space” to return to the side in tomorrow’s final Test against India.

The Yorkshire spinner was replaced by Moeen Ali after the opening Test of this series, having taken 17 wickets at an average of 23 in three matches — all victories — this winter. England opted to pick a fourth seamer rather than Bess, a second spinner, in the Third Test, a decision they now accept backfired. As in the Second Test, the ball spun lavishly.

Bess (right) looks set to return in a team likely showing two changes. Jofra Archer appears likely to drop out, as could Stuart Broad, with Olly Stone also in contention to play. The squad has struggled with a sickness bug in recent days.

Bess, 23, said he had looked to use his absence as an opportunity but did not shy away from his disappointment at the decision. “It was certainly a tough pill to swallow,” he said. “I probably didn’t see it round the corner, but with what got explained to me, looking ahead, bigger picture and things I could potentially work on, I definitely took it in my stride in terms of opportunity. What can I come away from the main stage and look to improve on?

“The coaches certainly had their reasons, which I completely respected. It was really nice to see Mo come back in and perform the way he did. When he was here, the way he went about things was quality and, as a young spinner, learning off him was really important. In my view, it was a tough pill but I had to look for opportunities to get better when I was away from it. It was a shame to miss out, but that’s sport.

“I personally didn’t think I needed it, but as time went on I think it was probably the best option. I think a lot about the game and I’m always trying to get better. The hardest part for me was to get away from it. The management sort of did that for me. That’s certainly freshened me up. Hopefully, looking back on that period, I think it’s been a real success heading into the last game. In the longer term, too, six, 12 months down the line. I was happy with that break.”

Bess says he is raring to go on a turning track, which he believes is the “ideal situation” for him. “I certainly am [ready],” he said. “It’s a massive honour to play for the country. I’ll always give my all, but it’s my mindset how I’m going about things, I’m in a great space right now to come back in, hopefully. We’re under a bit of pressure but it’s a great opportunity to perform. I know I’m ready.

“[It’s the] ideal situation. There is always going to be pressure around it, but I’d rather be bowling on spinning wickets than green ones at Trent Bridge or somewhere like that. I want to be bowling in the conditions that suit me best. Certainly these last two pitches, it’s been tough to watch because obviously it’s been spinning. When I get my opportunity, hopefully, I can contribute. I don’t think there’s any added expectation, it’s more an opportunity.”