Hussain plots Tymal Mills selection

Cricket365
April 25, 2014

Former captain Nasser Hussain has suggested the uncapped Tymal Mills be named in England's squad for May's Test series against Sri Lanka.

Left-arm fast bowler Mills was deployed during practice sessions across the recent tour of Australia, as England's batsmen prepared to combat southpaw seamer Mitchell Johnson.

The 21-year-old Mills has since gathered a fine stretch of form for Essex in first-class cricket, securing a telling four-wicket haul against Surrey and an important three-for versus Derbyshire this month.

"I'd also like to see England be a little bolder in their selections. We won't learn much by beating Sri Lanka at home with our 80 miles per hours seaming the Duke's ball around," Hussain wrote in the <i>Daily Mail</i>.

"So I just hope we're keeping an eye on the likes of Tymal, who can bowl with serious pace. Sure, he may not work out. But we already know what a guy like Tim Bresnan can do. We need to see if players like Mills are up to international cricket."

Batsman Joe Root's position in the order, meanwhile, remained in the balance this week. The talented right-hander was largely unsuccessful as an opener in Australia, where the English suffered a five-nil series whitewash – and a return to positions five or six is a possibility. Fast bowler Steven Finn, too, is pushing for a recall.

"It's vital that Steven gets plenty of overs under his belt and comes back match-ready. And I'd also like to see Joe back in the middle order, where he started his England career so promisingly," added Hussain.

"As for the brand of cricket they should be playing, I'd settle for a winning brand. No-one wants to be associated with losers, and I believe England should be putting a premium on character."

The English and Sri Lankans will meet for a one-off Twenty20 International, five ODIs and two Tests between 20 May and 24 June. Lord's in London will host the first Test and Headingley in Leeds the second.