England Head Coach Chris Silverwood announced a 16-member squad for The Royal London ODI series against Sri Lanka starting at Emirates Riverside, Durham on June 29.
The Three Lions have rewarded left-arm pacer George Garton with a place in their 16-member squad for the three-match ODI series. Though they will miss the services of injured fast bowler Jofra Archer and all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was nursing a hand injury, England have a strong pace attack at his disposal.
The 24-year-old Garton has played 24 List A games so far and has taken 29 wickets in that time. He may not be known for his economy rate or his bowling average but what impressed Silverwood the most was his raw pace, which has led to his selection.
Silverwood said, "We have been monitoring the progress of George Garton for quite some time. He has been a significant part of Sussex's bowling unit in white-ball cricket for an extended period. His ability to bowl quick with his point of difference being a left-armer certainly gives us options in this series, and he deserves his chance at this level."
Apart from Archer and Stokes, England have gone with their ODI regulars for the series and not followed their rotation policy. Stressing on the importance of the series, Silverwood said, "This ODI series is important as we continue to build momentum ahead of the 2023 World Cup. Despite some injuries, the squad I have selected is strong and gives us depth across all departments. We are looking forward to competing and putting on a show for the fans."
The likes of Olly Stone, Saqib Mahmood and Reece Topley were not available for selection due to injuries as well. Stone has been diagnosed with a stress fracture on his lower back and has been ruled out for the rest of the English summer while Saqib Mahmood and Reece Topley are suffering from an abdominal injury and a side strain respectively.
Speaking of Stone, Silverwood said, “It is a great shame as Olly was showing real promise with the ball and would have been part of our selection plans for this series.”
England squad for Sri Lanka ODIs 2021
Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, George Garton, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
Featured photo : Punit Paranjpe / AFP
