Vince and Ball named in England Test squad

England

England have named their squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka this month, adding uncapped players James Vince and Jake Ball to the side, replacing James Taylor and Chris Woakes.

Hampshire batsman Vince has been part of the short format sides for England but this is his first Test call up, while Nottinghamshire bowler Ball has no international experience.

Taylor was sadly forced to retire recently due to a serious heart condition, while Woakes has been dropped. Otherwise, Nick Compton was a surprising retention at number three, while Alex Hales will continue to open alongside Alastair Cook.

Selector James Whitaker said: "Both Jake Ball and James Vince thoroughly deserve their opportunity having performed well with the England Lions and starting the season in good form with their respective counties.

"Building on his success with the Lions in the winter, Jake has impressed with the ball and shown excellent control and skill in the opening matches of the County Championship. If selected, we are confident he will perform very well at international level.

"James has been a consistent performer for Hampshire and England Lions over the past few years. He is already well regarded by the England coaches in the short format and now has the opportunity to showcase his skills at Test level.

"Sri Lanka are a young side and we expect a strong series between the two teams to start the summer of international cricket.

"The selectors would like to take this opportunity to wish Alastair Cook, Trevor Bayliss and the rest of the squad the best of luck for the series."

The first Test will be played from 19 May at Headingley in Leeds.

Squad: Alastair Cook, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Stuart Broad, Nick Compton, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, James Vince

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