Somerset spinner Dom Bess receives maiden call-up
Wednesday 16 May 2018 06:43, UK
Jos Buttler has returned to England's squad for the first Test against Pakistan at Lord's, while Somerset spinner Dominic Bess has received a maiden call-up.
James Vince has lost his place in the batting order to accommodate Buttler in the first squad announcement from new national selector Ed Smith.
Buttler has not played red-ball cricket for England since the tour of India at the end of 2016, but has hit an IPL-leading five consecutive half-centuries for Rajasthan Royals this month.
"Jos Buttler is an outstanding talent, who is already a central part of England's white ball teams," said Smith.
"The selection panel feels that this is the perfect moment to reintroduce Jos to Test cricket, where he has already enjoyed some success, including a stint playing as a specialist batsman at number seven.
"Jos is playing with great confidence and flair, and he will bring unique qualities to the Test team."
Bess, 20, is included following team-mate Jack Leach's injury - Leach broke his thumb during Somerset's warm-up ahead of the final day's play of the Specsavers County Championship game against Hampshire on Monday.
"Dom Bess has made an excellent start to his first-class career," Smith added. "He has impressed everyone with his performances for Somerset and when he has been given opportunities with England representative teams.
"With Jack Leach missing out due to injury, the selection panel wanted to invest opportunity in a young spin bowler. Dom's strong form, character and all-round abilities presented a compelling case for selection."
Surrey's Mark Stoneman has survived despite having yet to reach 30 in seven innings this summer - he averaged 40 on England's tour to New Zealand.
England's bowlers remain unchanged, with Chris Woakes and Mark Wood both included.
England Test squad
Joe Root (Yorkshire) captain, Jimmy Anderson (Lancashire), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire) wicketkeeper, Dom Bess (Somerset), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Alastair Cook (Essex), Dawid Malan (Middlesex), Ben Stokes (Durham), Mark Stoneman (Surrey), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham)
