London, May 31 (IANS) England have called up Jade Dernbach as a cover for the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Lord’s beginning Friday.
Uncapped Surrey bowler Dernbach replaced fast bowler Jimmy Anderson, who limped out midway from England’s first Test match at Cardiff with a side strain. England lead the three match series 1-0.
South Africa-born Dernbach edged out the likes of Graham Onions and Ajmal Shahzad. Dernbach will fight for a third seamer’s place with Steve Finn.
‘I’m over the moon about it. I’ve not really had time for it to sink in,’ Dernbach was quoted as saying in The Independent.
‘But it’s absolutely wonderful.’
‘I want to bring some energy, some excitement, show a bit of myself and give as much as I can to the team.’
National selector Geoff Miller said they are excited by Dernbach’s inclusion.
‘It’s obviously disappointing to lose Jimmy Anderson for the next Test as he is world-class and the leader of our attack but we’re fortunate to have a healthy stock of pace bowlers at present. We’re hopeful Jimmy will be available for the third Test,’ he said.
‘Jade is a talented young bowler and after excelling with the England Performance Programme over the winter he enjoyed considerable success with the ball against Sri Lanka while playing for the England Lions prior to the first Npower Test.’
