Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

England to play day-night Test vs WI and here's their squad...

August 16, 2017 19:29 IST

Stoneman selected as Cook's latest  partner for the hosts

Mark Stoneman will make his debut as Cook's opening partner in the first day-night Test at Edgbaston against West Indies on Thursday

IMAGE: Mark Stoneman will make his debut as Cook's opening partner in the first day-night Test at Edgbaston against West Indies on Thursday. Photograph: Paul Childs/Action Images via Reuters

Opening batsman Mark Stoneman has been selected to make his debut for England in their first day-night Test match against the West Indies, starting at Edgbaston on Thursday.

 

The Surrey left-hander, who will become Alastair Cook's 15th opening partner for England, was named in the side on Wednesday, the first of the three-Test series, in place of the struggling Keaton Jennings.

It is the only change to the side that wrapped up a 3-1 series win over South Africa in the fourth and final Test  as England still seek to find a regular partner for former captain Cook before the Ashes series against Australia this winter.

Seamer Chris Woakes and spinner Mason Crane miss out on a place in the starting XI from the original 13-man squad.

Captain Joe Root welcomed the inclusion of Stoneman, an experienced 30-year-old with 19 first-class hundreds to his name, telling Sky Sports: "He's obviously got a huge amount of runs under his belt this season and in previous seasons as well.

"He's got a very well-rounded game and he's a bit more experienced having played a lot of county cricket.

"I'm excited to see him and I'd like to think he'll get a very good opportunity and some good game time with England. This is a great opportunity for him to go out and prove how good he is."

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.