England name training squad ahead of Test series against West Indies

The players will live and train at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 23, as the build-up to the first Test on July 8 ramps up

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England have named the 30-man training group which will relocate to the Ageas Bowl next week ahead of the Test series against West Indies.

The players will live and train at the Southampton venue from June 23, as the build-up to the first Test on July 8 ramps up.

Selectors Ed Smith and James Taylor, head coach Chris Silverwood and coaches from across the behind-closed-doors network contributed in whittling down 55 names to 30.

Following a three-day practice match at the Ageas Bowl on July 1, a squad will be picked for the first Test.

National selector Ed Smith said: “Everyone involved with England is delighted that cricket is returning soon, and that the players are reporting for group training in preparation for the Test series against the West Indies.

“We’d also like to thank all the county coaches who have supported these players over the past few weeks. 

“A squad for the first Test will be announced in due course.”

ENGLAND TRAINING GROUP

Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire),  Dominic Bess (Somerset), James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Joe Denly (Kent), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Keaton Jennings (Lancashire), Dan Lawrence  (Essex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Craig Overton (Somerset), Jamie Overton (Somerset), Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Olly Stone (Warwickshire), Amar Virdi (Surrey), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham)

The ECB have drafted in three county coaches to work with the group.

Lancashire's Glen Chapple will work with the fast bowlers, Gloucestershire's Richard Dawson will assist the spinners, and Kent coach Matt Walker will help Graham Thorpe look after the batsmen.

Former England international Chris Read joins as wicketkeeping consultant.

ECB Performance Director, Mo Bobat, said: “The support that we’ve received from counties during our return to training phase so far has been excellent, and it’s great to be able to continue with this collaborative approach as we move into a ‘Behind Closed Doors’ training environment.  

“As is the case in the current climate, things have progressed quickly, and we are very grateful to counties for allowing us to second their coaches to support our Test preparation. The larger group of players will certainly keep them busy.

“Involving Glen Chapple, Richard Dawson and Matt Walker adds significant leadership strength to our coaching team, as well as their obvious technical and tactical knowledge. Similarly, Chris Read’s vast experience at the highest level will no doubt add value.”

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