England name 30-man ‘behind-closed-doors’ training group ahead of West Indies series

Hampshire's James Vince in action for England in last November's T20 series in New Zealand. Vince has not played for his country since and has been left out of a 30-man 'behind-closed-doors' training camp at his home Ageas Bowl ground. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images.

James Vince, Liam Dawson and Mason Crane were all called up recently for a 55-man England training squad.

But they have all been left out of a 30-strong ‘behind-closed-doors training group’ who will go into camp at Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl next Tuesday ahead of the first Test against the West Indies starting on Wednesday, July 8.

The group, along with a separate red-ball management team, will live, prepare and train on-site at the stadium, which boasts its own Hilton hotel.

On Wednesday July 1 the players will participate in a three-day practice match. After this, the squad for the first Test will be selected.

Behind-Closed-Doors Training Group: Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Dominic Bess (Somerset), James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Joe Denly (Kent), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Keaton Jennings (Lancashire), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Craig Overton (Somerset), Jamie Overton (Somerset), Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Olly Stone (Warwickshire), Amar Virdi (Surrey), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham).

Vince played the last of his 13 Tests in March 2018, while his last appearance in any format was in a T20 international in New Zealand last November.

Dawson played the last of his three Tests in 2017, with his last competitive appearance coming in an ODI against Sri Lanka in March 2018.

Crane played his sole Test against Australia in early 2018 , having made his ODI debut the previous summer against South Africa.

England national selector Ed Smith said: ‘Everyone involved with England is delighted that cricket is returning soon, and that the players are reporting for group training in preparation for the Test series against the West Indies.

“We’d also like to thank all the county coaches who have supported these players over the past few weeks.’

The ECB have also confirmed the red-ball coaching team for the three-match Test series.

Graham Thorpe will support head coach Chris Silverwood in his role as assistant coach and specialise on batting.

Three coaches from the county game have been seconded – Lancashire head coach Glen Chapple will work closely with Silverwood as bowling coach.

Gloucestershire’s head coach Richard Dawson, who has had experience coaching the England Lions on their successful tour of Australia earlier this year, will take control of the spin bowlers.

Working alongside Thorpe with the batsmen will be Kent’s head coach Matthew Walker.

Former Nottinghamshire and England wicketkeeper Chris Read will join the management team as wicketkeeping consultant.

ECB Performance Director Mo Bobat added: ‘The support that we’ve received from counties during our return to training phase so far has been excellent, and it’s great to be able to continue with this collaborative approach as we move into a ‘Behind Closed Doors’ training environment.

‘As is the case in the current climate, things have progressed quickly, and we are very grateful to counties for allowing us to second their coaches to support our Test preparation. The larger group of players will certainly keep them busy.

‘Involving Glen Chapple, Richard Dawson and Matt Walker adds significant leadership strength to our coaching team, as well as their obvious technical and tactical knowledge.

Similarly, Chris Read’s vast experience at the highest level will no doubt add value.

‘Both Glen (Chapple) and Richard (Dawson) were involved in winter Lions activity, so it’s nice for them and the players to build on effective coaching relationships.

‘It’s also a real positive for our domestic game that we can expose a greater number of our coaches to international cricket.’

At present, there is no domestic county cricket scheduled before August 1.