The Story
Lack of form and a finger injury has caused No.3 Gary Ballance lose his place from the playing XI for the third Test against South Africa which begins on June 27 at the Kennington Oval. After taking a lead in the series with a win at Lord’s in the opening Test, England lost the Trent Bridge Test in an appalling fashion to attract stinging criticism.
The series is currently levelled at with a score line of 1-1.
Ballance was one of the players who came under fire for his lack of competence. As ironic as it may sound, the Yorkshire skipper, automatically paved way for a replacement as result of the injury which was inflicted by Morne Morkel. Two young domestic stars – Tom Westley and Mark Stoneman – now stand in contention.
Westley pips Stoneman
England selectors decided to pick Tom Westley over Mark Stoneman as the replacement for the left handed Ballance. Westley is now all set to make his Test debut and bat at No.3 at The Oval on Thursday
The decision has been welcomed and has been termed as suitable for the team. But, former spinner Graeme Swann isn’t impressed and expressed that he is surprised by the move.
“The most incredible thing is Mark Stoneman still not being given a chance,” Swann said.
“Westley looks a good talent but they must know something I don’t know because, why they have gone for him over Stoneman, there must be a reason behind it.
The 28-year-old was picked despite having inferior numbers than Stoneman in the County Championship.
Westley, who plays for Essex has 478 runs at 53 with two centuries and 106* for the England Lions against South Africa in a tour match. However, Surrey’s Stoneman has recorded 761 runs at an average of 59 with three hundreds and a top score of 197.
Moreover, Swann felt that with Dawid Malan as the reserve batsman in the 13-man squad, picking Stoneman should have been straightforward.
“His numbers have been immaculate over the last couple of years and I think it is very harsh on him he hasn’t been picked in this squad.
“Tom Westley is a very good player and I have seen him a little bit and been impressed with him.”