England Pick 30 Man Group for Test Cricket

After the announced delayed start to Test Match Cricket this summer, it has taken a step forward this week. Ahead of the first of three matches against the West Indies in 20 days time, England cricket managing director Ashley Giles has named a 30 man group. The selected individuals will now head to the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, as training intensifies in the run up to the series.

Chosen by the selection party as players who will be considered for selection in the coming weeks, the players involved will be excited by the prospect of competitive action. The group will compete in a three day practice match starting on July 1, in order to help selectors choose the final squad.

Included in the enlarged training group are eight uncapped Test Match players; James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Jamie Overton (Somerset), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Amar Virdi (Surrey), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Matt Parkinson (Lancashire).

Three additional coaches will also assist the preparation. Glen Chapple of Lancashire will help coach the bowlers. Gloucestershire’s Richard Dawson will work with the spinners and Kent Head Coach Matthew Walker will help the batsmen.

Fit again James Anderson is included in the 30 man party, as is Durham’s Mark Wood. Moeen Ali returns to England duty after a short time out of contention due to a decline in form.

New quick on the block Jofra Archer will face his country of origin for the first time in Test cricket. Archer who was born in Barbados faced the West Indies in ODI action at last years World Cup, but is yet to face them in a Test match. Members of the West Indies touring squad have spoken about putting friendships with Jofra to one side ahead of the series.

Squad in full: Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Dominic Bess, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Foakes, Lewis Gregory, Keaton Jennings, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Amar Virdi, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

? BREAKING NEWS ?

We have named a 30-strong behind-closed-doors training group ahead of our first men's Test against @windiescricket ?

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 17, 2020

We hope you enjoyed the article ‘Test Match Cricket to Return 2020.’ What do you think of the 30 man selected group who are set to face West Indies next month? Let us know!

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• How Will England’s Top Three Look in Test Cricket This Summer?’
• How England won the 2019 ODI World Cup