Bess looks to the long term after tough time in India
Dom Bess admits he struggled to cope with being dropped by England during their tour of India but is already treating the experience as a stepping stone to the long and successful Test career he craves.
Bess started 2021 as a key member of a winning side, taking 12 wickets in the 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka and five more as Joe Root's men sprung a major upset in Chennai.
The trip peaked when he outfoxed India captain Virat Kohli in the first innings, but his fortunes shifted quickly. Bess struggled in the second innings, complete with a handful of errant full tosses, and paid with his place as Moeen Ali returned.
He was kept on ice for the day/night Test in Ahmedabad and drew a blank when he was recalled for the final game.
"To get removed from the side was tough and it was more tough mentally. I did struggle with that side of it," he said.
"I was really disappointed, but Rooty and Spoons (head coach Chris Silverwood) have both said how tough it was to drop me out of that second Test. "It was one of the tougher times I've had, but those sort of situations are going to happen again and I think as a player it's about keeping your emotions as consistent as you can. “I’m only 23...when you look at Ravichandran Ashwin or Nathan Lyon they have 10 years on me,” said Bess.
"They've probably been through those experiences at first-class level. I'm having them in Test cricket. Everything is heightened at that level. Hopefully in 10 years I'm still going on England tours and leading the attack with young spinners."