Alex Hales and World Cup-winner Liam Plunkett
were both left out of a mammoth 55-man England training group announced Friday.
But 13 uncapped players were selected, as England look to stage a
full Test and limited-overs programme against West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland
and Australia, despite the coronavirus delaying the start of their home season
until at least July.
Among those recalled was David Willey, who lost his place in the one-day
squad to Jofra Archer shortly before England won the World Cup for the first
time last year.
Official squads will be named at a later date, with three Tests against
the West Indies, set to be played behind closed doors at bio-secure venues,
first up for England this season.
The group will not train in one place, but with individual sessions across
several county venues, that started with bowlers back in the nets last week,
the only form of training allowed at present.
“It’s really pleasing to be in a position to have players returning to
training and a huge amount of work has been done by many to get us this far,”
said England and Wales Cricket Board performance director Mo Bobat, who helped
England coach Chris Silverwood and the selectors compile the list.
“The pool of players will give selectors strong options when it comes to
selecting squads across formats further down the line, as we move closer to our
aim of playing international cricket this summer.”
Nottinghamshire opener Hales was dropped shortly before last year’s World
Cup after it emerged he had tested positive for drugs.
There had been speculation that, with England likely to need separate red
and white-ball squads, Hales might be recalled.
But England one-day captain Eoin Morgan dashed Hales’ hopes on Wednesday
when he said “it will take more time” for him to regain the trust of the squad.
Meanwhile, 35-year-old fast bowler Plunkett has not played for England
since taking three wickets in the dramatic World Cup final victory over New
Zealand at Lord’s.
