England have announced their 12 man squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka beginning on 19th May at Headingley. Alastair Cook has been named the captain and along with the regulars, two uncapped players James Vince and Jake Ball have also been included.
Nottinghamshire seam bowler Ball and Hampshire batsman Vince have been included after their impressive performances in this season’s county cricket.
Ball, 25, started the Specsavers County Championship season in good form taking 19 wickets at an average of 21.15 and is joint highest wicket-taker in the First Division.
The 25-year-old Vince, who is also the Hampshire skipper, has already played one ODI and 4 T20s for England. This will be his Test debut. The right-hand top order batsman is averaging 44.50 in the County Championship this season. He also scored an impressive 119 against Yorkshire at Headingley last month.
ECB National Selector, James Whitaker, said-
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Both Jake Ball and James Vince thoroughly deserve their opportunity having started the season in good form with their respective counties.
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He also added that the selection committee had full confidence in the two youngsters to perform well against a young Sri Lanka side.
Test squad in full:
Alastair Cook (Capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Stuart Broad, Nick Compton, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, James Vince.