The uncapped Jason Roy, Lewis Gregory and Olly Stone have all been included in England’s 13-man squad for the inaugural Test against Ireland at Lord’s next week as the selectors take the chance to rest some of their World Cup heroes ahead of the Ashes. But it is the three potential debutants who caught the eye in the squad announcement for what will be a four-day Test against Ireland, starting next Wednesday. Roy, as expected, will be asked to repeat his destructive white-ball form in yet another new opening partnership with his Surrey team-mate and friend Rory Burns. Warwickshire’s Stone made his one-day international debut last winter in Sri Lanka but was denied a possible Test bow by a serious back injury and his selection now ahead of the likes of Jamie Overton and Jamie Porter is something of a surprise. Joe Denly is retained at three while there is also a place in the 13 for Somerset spinner Jack Leach who is putting pressure on Moeen Ali for the sole spinner place against Australia this summer.

Source: Daily Mail July 17, 2019 13:02 UTC