Bess will continue to look for wickets on Test debut

England spinner Dom Bess feels Pakistan’s aggressive approach against slow-bowling could play into his hands when he makes his debut in the first Test at Lord’s on Thursday.

The 20-year-old Bess was a surprise inclusion in England’s 12-man squad for the game after his Somerset teammate Jack Leach was ruled out with a broken thumb and Moeen Ali was dropped.

Despite only having 16 first-class games under his belt, Bess insists he is an attacking spinner and will always look for wickets.

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The off-spinner told reporters on Tuesday: “I’m an attacking off-spinner. It depends on the role or situation but you’re always looking for wickets.

“Say it’s the first innings – obviously we’ve got goals back in the changing room – I might be asked to do a containing role.

“Against Pakistan it could be quite interesting because they’re very aggressive – but it’s a great challenge. If I contain them the opportunities could potentially come.”

Bess has never played a game at the Home of Cricket and said he consulted with Leach ahead of his first Test.

The Somerset bowler continued: “I don’t think I need to change anything. That’s what Leachy did say, ‘you’re here for a reason, you’ve just got to adapt now to the level up’. I think that’s something hopefully I can do well.

“I’d never been to the home dressing room, so to have a look at the board was very special. Hopefully one day I can get my name up there.”