England name their XI to face Proteas at Lord's, fit-again Foakes recalled
England have recalled fit-again wicketkeeper Ben Foakes for the first Test against South Africa at Lord's starting on Wednesday.
Ollie Robinson Sport News
England recall fit-again Ben Foakes for South Africa opener
Ben Stokes, the England captain, announced the return of Surrey wicketkeeper Foakes to the XI during a media conference on Tuesday. Foakes is the only change from the team that defeated India in the postponed fifth Test at Edgbaston last month after missing the match following a case of coronavirus.
England vs South Africa: England Name Playing XI For First Test Against South Africa
England on Tuesday announced their playing XI for the first Test of the three-match series against South Africa, starting at the Lord's Cricket Ground on Wednesday, August 17. Wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes makes a return to the side after missing the rescheduled fifth Test against India. Zak Crawley and Alex Lees have been retained at the top of the order while Ollie Pope keeps his place in the playing XI. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow have been in excellent form for the Ben Stokes-led side, and eye another strong outing against the Proteas.
Kent Spitfires (213-6) beat Northamptonshire Steelbacks (210 all out) by four wickets in Royal London One-Day Cup
More Ben Compton brilliance led Kent Spitfires back to winning ways in the Royal London One-Day Cup with a four-wicket success over Northants on Sunday.
South Africa see 'lot of positives' despite England Lions thrashing
South Africa tried to downplay a drubbing by the second-string England Lions just five days ahead of next week's first Test following an innings and 56-run loss on Friday.
England Lions thrash Proteas in practice match ahead of Test at Lord's
England's second-string Lions rounded off a commanding innings win over the South African tourists at Canterbury on Friday - just five days before the first Test at Lord's.
England Lions post mammoth score as Proteas toil in heat
Harry Brook and Ben Duckett hit centuries as England Lions piled up 672 all out against South Africa at Canterbury in a warm-up for next week's first Test.
Sam Billings aiming to use England Lions game to push for Test recall
Sam Billings believes captaining the England Lions against South Africa offers his best chance of earning a recall to the Test squad.