Westley reflects on bittersweet opening day

England new boy Tom Westley conceded having mixed emotions about his first day of Test cricket after he was dismissed for 25 shortly after lunch.

Westley dug in for a gritty partnership with Alastair Cook that saw England reach lunch with just one wicket down.

However shortly after the break he flashed at one outside off from Chris Morris and was caught in the corden.

England’s struggle to find a number three amplified the importance of what was a debut knock that showed potential.

Westley told Sky Sports after play: “It was enjoyable, it’s obviously something that you dream about as a boy wanting to play for England.

“It’s a bit of mixed emotions because I felt like I started quite nicely but then very disappointed to get a start and then get out just after lunch.”

Westley found out he would be playing and batting three for England last week so had plenty of time to prepare himself.

When asked if he thought this helped he replied: “I think so yeah, I found out last Thursday so the weekend was pretty hectic and nerves were going crazy.

“But the last couple of days practicing, me and the guys, has actually been good and helpful, I was obviously nervous today but was more excited.”

Westley received his cap from Essex great and former England captain Graham Gooch who mplayed a role in his development at the County.

He said in response to being asked what he had seen of Gooch: “Not loads of him play but I’ve seen a lot of him around the ground at Essex. He was the batting coach at Essex when I was younger so it was nice to receive my cap from a fellow Essex player.”

He would also have the steadying influence of a familiar partner in County teammate Alastair Cook.

The pair have shared many innings as opener and number three for Essex in the County Championship.

Westley went on: “It was good, it was familiar for me having batted with Cooky the last however many years. It was nice, quite calming to have Cooky at the other end.”

The Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis sent Westley a message via the media letting him know that the intensity the Proteas would bring would be a step up from what he was used to.

When asked about the intesnsity Westley replied: “Yeah it was definitely more intense.”

“You know I faced those bowlers a few weeks ago and they are obviously world class bowlers so it was always going to be a challenge but it was one that I was looking forward to.

“Getting a start you know 25 made getting out just after lunch all the more frustrating.”

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