LONDON – Opening batsman Mark Stoneman has been selected to make his debut for England in their first day-night Test against the West Indies, starting at Edgbaston on Thursday.
The Surrey left-hander, who will become Alastair Cook’s 15th opening partner for England, was named in the side on Wednesday, the first of the three-Test series, in place of the struggling Keaton Jennings.
It is the only change to the side that wrapped up a 3-1 series win over South Africa in the fourth and final Test as England still seek to find a regular partner for former captain Cook before the Ashes series against Australia this winter.
Seamer Chris Woakes and spinner Mason Crane miss out on a place in the starting XI from the original 13-man squad.
Captain Joe Root welcomed the inclusion of Stoneman, an experienced 30-year-old with 19 first-class hundreds to his name, telling Sky Sports: “He’s obviously got a huge amount of runs under his belt this season and in previous seasons as well.
“He’s got a very well-rounded game and he’s a bit more experienced, having played a lot of county cricket.
“I’m excited to see him and I’d like to think he’ll get a very good opportunity and some good game time with England. This is a great opportunity for him to go out and prove how good he is.”
England Team
Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Tom Westley, Joe Root (captain), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Toby Roland-Jones, Jimmy Anderson.