News Item, ESPNvcricinfo
Uncapped duo James Vince and Jake Ball have been named in England’s 12-man squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley next week. Hampshire batsman Vince, 25, looks set to play, while Nottinghamshire’s Ball, also 25, will have to vie for the third seamer’s role in Leeds. Alex Hales remains as captain Alastair Cook’s opening partner, while pace bowler Steven Finn is fit again. Nick Compton has kept his spot as England’s likely number three.
Lions captain Vince has five limited-overs caps and was part of the England squad that reached the final of the ICC World Twenty20 in India last month.He comes into the team in place of the retired James Taylor. “It’s something I’ve been aiming for since I was a little kid really,” said Hampshire captain Vince. “Definitely when I was growing up, playing for England in a Test was still the number one.”
Ball has stated his case with 19 wickets already for Nottinghamshire this season and also spent time with the Lions in the United Arab Emirates. “Both Jake Ball and James Vince thoroughly deserve their opportunity, having performed well with the England Lions and starting the season in good form with their respective counties,” national selector James Whitaker said.
“Sri Lanka are a young side and we expect a strong series between the two teams to start the summer of international cricket.”
Squad: AN Cook (captain), MM Ali, JM Anderson, JM Bairstow, JT Ball, SCJ Broad, NRD Compton, ST Finn, AD Hales, JE Root, BA Stokes, JM Vince.
| England v Sri Lanka, first Investec Test |
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| Venue: Headingley Dates: 19-23 May |
| Coverage: Ball-by-ball Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, Radio 4 LW, online, tablets, mobiles and BBC Sport app. Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website. |