Trescothick backs Ballance
Former batsman Marcus Trescothick has welcomed the in-form Gary Ballance's inclusion in England's ODI for next month's ODI series against Australia.
Former batsman Marcus Trescothick has welcomed the in-form Gary Ballance's inclusion in England's ODI for next month's ODI series against Australia.
Ballance, alongside seamers Chris Jordan, Jamie Overton and Boyd Rankin and batsman Michael Carberry, are the five uncapped players in the 14-man party announced on Tuesday.
The Zimbabwean-born Ballance enjoyed an outstanding stretch of form in August, scoring four centuries and two half-tons for the Lions and Yorkshire. He was named in the T20I squad for two fixtures against New Zealand earlier this year, but did not debut.
"People have really noticed Gary over the last couple of seasons and he has carried on his form. It breeds confidence of course, knowing that you have produced some good results, and people are starting to recognise the achievements he has made," said Trescothick, who played 123 ODIs between 2000 and 2006.
"Personally I think you always wonder whether you are going to be good enough to make it at the highest level and once you start getting Lions call-ups, then you know you are very, very close.
"It just gives you that confidence boost. He's really coming forward and putting his finger up so everyone can notice him. He has obviously got good concentration. He is very strong, a very powerful hitter and developing in all forms at the moment. He has been very good this season.
"He has worked at his own for of game in the four-day game and I think he has developed on that more over the last few years. In one-day cricket he is more of a hitter – he hits the ball well – but he seems to pace his innings, which really comes out nicely."
Skipper Alastair Cook, fast bowler James Anderson, batsman Ian Bell and spinner Graeme Swann, who featured in this month's three-nil Ashes series triumph, have been rested. The left-handed Eoin Morgan will captain the side in Cook's absence.
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