England add Dom Bess to squad ahead of second Test against New Zealand

England has called in off-spinner Dom Bess ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, set to start from June 10 at Edgbaston. While the hosts already have a spin option in Jack Leach, it is understood that Bess has been included in the second Test’s squad as cover for any contingency.

Cricket in Covid-19 times has led to the concept of teams having ample covers and going ahead with jumbo squads to insure themselves against any mishappening. Meanwhile, Bess was busy representing Yorkshire in the ongoing County Championship, where he has picked 14 wickets in eight games this season, including his recent four-for against Sussex in a clash that ran parallel to England’s first Test versus New Zealand.

Notably, the home side went with a four-pronged pace attack at Lord’s, keeping no spinner in the team apart from the part-time spin of skipper Joe Root.

I’m making sure to have every base covered: Chris Silverwood

Opening up on Bess’ inclusion in the team, England coach Chris Silverwood said, “The reason we’ve added Dom is that any cover we may need has to be in here with us. If Jack was to feature, we would need back-up for him in terms of concussion replacements and things like that. If we are looking at playing a spinner and Jack were to get injured leading into the game, then we will need someone else there as well. It’s making sure we cover that.”

Silverwood also revisited England’s performance and admitted that the shot selection made them pay the price. “I felt we showed a lack of discipline at times, with shot management, and we paid the price for that,” he said. “It’s something we addressed, we talked about in the dressing room. One thing I am keen for this team to do is to face problems and grab a difficult day.”

“On the plus side, we saw Rory Burns come back in after being left out in India, show a lot of character. I thought he played beautifully and was really pleased to see him get his hundred. Then [Dom] Sibley in the second innings, I thought he showed a lot of discipline and guts to stick in. He showed us how stubborn he can be, which is why he’s there,” said Silverwood suggesting that there were plenty of positives to be drawn out as well.

The series result is set to be decided in the next game as the two teams drew the Lord’s Test.