Published: Jan 14, 2019, 02:11 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 14, 2019, 02:11 PM (IST)
The uncapped Warwickshire and England Lions pace bowler Olly Stone is ready for a Test debut if it comes calling in the West Indies over the next few weeks, having spent a good amount of time with England‘s squad in Sri Lanka.
Stone, 25, was part of the tour to Sri Lanka but did not get a look-in during a series in which Stuart Broad sat out two Tests and James Anderson, England’s leading wicket-taker, was benched for the dead rubber. Watching the record-setting new-ball pair train and bowl up close, Stone says he is ready if the management gives him the nod during the upcoming three-Test series versus West Indies starting January 23.
“You learn a lot from the senior players. It’s hard to come away without improving,” said Stone. “My mental game is getting better and my skills are topped up. It’s more about training with a purpose, even if you just bowl two overs, make them up there with how you go in a match, being specific and making the most of your time. It would have been lovely to play but I learned a lot off the field and if I get a chance out here, I can show what I learned.” (ALSO READ: Rookie pacer Olly Stone harbours World Cup dreams for England)
Stone made his ODI debut in Sri Lanka, playing four of five matches. He finished the series with just one wicket, while conceding runs at 6.06 per over, and clocked impressive speeds. A Test debut eluded him, but playing ODIs was a long cherished dream.
“I’d love to have played in Sri Lanka, obviously, but the team did so well,” he said. “To win the series 3-0 means the sides they went in with were the right ones. I got my first one-day shirt signed by all of the lads as something to remember. I’ll get it framed and on the wall – but a Test shirt to go next to it would be amazing. If not, I’ll just work hard and try to take a lot away from my time in the nets.” (ALSO READ: Jason Holder confirms return for first Test versus England)
Stone is not part of England’s ODI squad to play five games in the West Indies after the Tests, but has not given up on hoping for a spot at this summer’s ICC Cricket World Cup in familiar conditions.
“It was disappointing to be left out but the boys have done so well over the last year and a half that they have earned the right to be in,” he said. “All it takes is someone to get injured or something and you’re straight in there, so you never know. I’m working hard and I wouldn’t say my chance is gone.”
