England named their squad for the upcoming Test series against South Africa at home, and that included a few surprises. Despite a stellar debut in India late last year, teenaged opener Haseeb Hameed was ignored for the series. Instead, the English selectors persisted with South Africa-born opener Keaton Jennings to open along with Alastair Cook. Hameed has struggled for runs since his return from injury, while Jennings has made the most out of his form this summer. It must be noted that Jennings began his career in style with a debut century against India in Mumbai.
Another rookie who was retained from that otherwise ill-fated tour of India was spin bowling all-rounder Liam Dawson. The slow left-arm spinner was chosen ahead of the more attacking leg spin duo of Adil Rashid and Mason Crane. Dawson’s batting skills are a big factor behind his selection, but it is unlikely that he will be a part of the playing XI.
The series will be Joe Root’s first assignment as the Test captain of England and Alastair Cook’s first since giving up captaincy. To the relief of all England supporters, the magical pace duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad were declared fit for the series. The pace department also contains Mark Wood and Toby Roland-Jones, who recently made his international debut against South Africa. Chris Woakes wasn’t named, as he continues recovering from an injury he sustained in the Champions Trophy.
Selector James Whitaker was beaming with confidence after announcing the squad. “There is great excitement around the first Test of the summer and with the start of a new era under the captaincy of Joe Root this is an exciting time for English cricket,” he said.
Whitaker in particular mentioned about comeback man Gary Ballance, who has scored a bucket full of runs in the county circuit. “Yorkshire’s Gary Ballance could play his first Test since October. He has been in fantastic touch with the bat in the Championship averaging over 100. He deserves to be included and we feel that he will add maturity and experience to our middle-order.”
England Squad Vs South Africa:
Joe Root (c), Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Liam Dawson, Toby Roland-Jones, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson.