Uncapped wicket-keeper Ben Foakes has been called up to England’s Test squad for their series against Sri Lanka as cover for the injured Jonny Bairstow, who damaged his ankle ligaments playing football in training.
Though he is yet to play a Test match, Foakes has long been regarded as the best pure keeper in county cricket, and toured Australia and New Zealand last winter with England, again as Bairstow’s back-up.
If Bairstow is unable to play the most likely course of action is still that Buttler will keep wicket, as he did against India in the summmer, when a fractured finger forced Bairstow to play purely as a batsman. Bairstow played the first three ODIs against Sri Lanka, but injured his ankle in training playing football. Originally thought to be a minor injury, it appears to be more serious than first feared.
Foakes’ prowess with the gloves may be unmatched by any Englishman, but he is no slouch with the bat either. He averages over 40 in first-class cricket, and won the County Championship this season with Surrey.
He also has prior experience of Sri Lanka, having spent a winter playing for Colts Cricket Club.
