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Broad, Sangakkara back Ball to make grade
- Updated: May 12, 2016
Jake Ball, England’s newest seam-bowling recruit, has been given a vote of confidence by two veteran Test cricketers, Stuart Broad and Kumar Sangakkara, ahead of his possible Test debut against Sri Lanka at Headingley next week.
Ball, who has soared to the top of the County Championship Division One wicket-takers list with 19 at 21.15 in four appearances for Nottinghamshire, was named in a 12-man squad alongside his county team-mate Broad, who has witnessed at close quarters his rapid improvement over the past two seasons.
“Having seen him grow over the last three or four years, he’s one of the quickest-improving bowlers I’ve seen in a while,” Broad told ESPNcricinfo during the launch of the Investec Test series in London.
“He’s tall, he’s got pace, he gets bounce from a fuller length, he’s got the skill to go around the wicket and over the wicket to the left-handers, and to move it in and out of the right-handers,” Broad added.
“He’s got every attribute to be a successful Test match bowler. It’s a good move to get him involved in the squad, and he’ll be very excited about joining up, I’m sure.”
By his own admission, Ball’s rise to prominence began in 2014-15, after a winter of gym-work gave him the necessary strength to back up his talents, and a season-best haul of 39 wickets earned him an England Lions call-up.
“He got a lot fitter and stronger, which really helps with his extra bounce as he really bounds in with a bit more energy in his run-up,” said Broad. “I think he enjoyed his experience with the Lions in the winter, reports came back of him really impressing with his skills, as he’s got a lot of white-ball skills as well, and that’s a good place to be.”
Ball’s credentials were fully showcased during a remarkable televised County Championship fixture between Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge last week. In a contest that came down to the very last ball after a thrilling final-day run chase, Ball emerged with match figures of 7 for 125, including the prized scalp of Joe Root, caught at slip in the first innings for a first-ball duck.
“He’s hit the ground running …
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