Jake Ball will be available for the first Test, confirms Trevor Bayliss

The English cricket team is going through a catastrophic patch, right before the start of the Ashes. The Three Lions have lost their prized all-rounder, Ben Stokes, who tried to impersonate Mike Tyson for a day. Then there is Steven Finn, who injured himself so badly that he is out of the entire tournament. Then there is another pacer, Jake Ball, who slipped in his run-up to injure his leg. But finally, a sigh of relief for the Barmy Army and other English supporters, as the head coach himself confirmed that Ball will be able to bowl in the first match.

It is still over 10 days for him to recover, as the first Test starts on 23rd November. According to Trevor Bayliss, time is enough for Ball to be fit and running before the Test that will be played at The Gabba in Brisbane. However, he won’t play in England’s final warm-up match, and hence George Garton of Sussex was called up to fill up that vacant place.

“There could be a possibility he would be right for the next game but we will probably let him go there and make sure he is right for selection for the first Test. At least he will be available for the first Test. Whether we pick him or not, we have got to make that decision once we get closer. He should be right in that 7-10 day time frame, he’s fairly confident,” said Bayliss, as per reports in Sky Sports.

“He has got a boot on but that is more precautionary at the moment. He says he has been walking around without the boot and feels fine. Fingers crossed that he is right,” the 54-year-old from Goulburn, New South Wales further added.

On Craig Overton

In a team which boasts of world-class pacers like James Anderson, Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad, Overton might be shadowed very easily. But thanks to his 3/15 against Cricket Australia XI, the 23-year-old from Devon is making the headlines.

On being asked about his young horse’s performance, Bayliss commented, “[It’s the] first time I have seen him up close over a number of overs. He is not necessarily quick but he bowls a heavy ball and good lengths. He is consistent with that length, which you need at the top level.”