England skipper Alastair Cook announced that right-arm medium pace bowler Jake Ball will make his Test debut when England meet Pakistan at Lord’s on July 14.
Ball, 25, has been named in the playing XI for the first Test against Pakistan as a replacement for James Anderson, who was ruled out due to a shoulder injury.
.@JakeBall to make his debut tomorrow! He says;
“I probably won’t get much sleep tonight”#EngvPak pic.twitter.com/rBD9nLfIDQ— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 13, 2016
The Nottinghamshire pacer has been included in three previous Test squads, but he has finally been handed a chance to be a part of playing 11.
“Jake will make his debut,” confirmed captain Alastair Cook. “Unfortunately Jimmy has missed out but it’s a great opportunity for Jake.
“He’s got wicket-taking balls in him, the ability to get good players out on flat wickets, and he puts the ball in good areas with good pace.”
Ball has established himself as one of the key bowlers during the ongoing county championships, taking 31 wickets at an average of 23.94.
Can’t wait for tomorrow it’s gonna be a very proud day for me especially @HomeOfCricket #cantwait #England #test #debut #lords
— Jake Ball (@JakeBall) July 13, 2016
England Playing XI: Alastair Cook (c), Alex Hales, Joe Root, James Vince, Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Jake Ball, Steve Finn.
