Gary Ballance 'surprised' by England Test recall against Pakistan at Lord's
Wednesday 13 July 2016 14:29, UK
Gary Ballance is happy to be back in England's Test team ahead of the series against Pakistan, starting at Lord's on Thursday, live on Sky Sports.
The Yorkshire middle-order batsman admitted to being "surprised" at the call-up, but is delighted to get another opportunity at Test level.
So far this season, Ballance has hit 585 runs at an average of 36.56 in first-class cricket, including two centuries.
The 26-year-old told Sky Sports News HQ: "It's just great to be back. Coming to Lord's is a special place and in the past it's been good for me.
"I was a little bit surprised to get the call. I didn't even know they were selecting a team. Was having a normal day, when I got a phone call and it was great to get good news."
Ballance has made four centuries during his Test career, two of which have come at Lord's.
However, Sky pundit Dominic Cork believes he may need to change his positioning and stance at the crease.
"The problem has been his position when he's batting - his crease position, Cork told Sky Sports News HQ.
"Against Australia last year, he was deep in the crease, near enough on top of the stumps. As a bowler, that tells you to pitch it up. He has changed that, but I still think he's got some work to do.
"He's done this because he tries to give himself more time, so instead of being on the crease line he goes back. But I think he's got to be positive, get over the top of the ball, and not be pushing back."
