Joe Root has backed Alex Hales and Nick Compton to answer their critics when England take on Sri Lanka next week.
Kyler Fackrell Super Bowl Jersey . Both batsmen are in a 12-man squad for the first Test at Headingley despite speculation they could miss out in the wake of up-and-down winter performances in South Africa.Neither scored a hundred during a four-match Test series, with opener Hales averaging just 17 and No 3 Compton under 31. But the only change to the batting personnel has seen Hampshire captain James Vince come in for James Taylor, whose sudden retirement left a place in the squad up for grabs.And Root told Sky Sports News HQ: We see these guys play a lot, we spend a lot of time together as a squad and we know what theyre capable of doing. Selectors kept the faith with Alex Hales (left) and Nick Compton Ive got every confidence in those guys ahead of me to go in and make big scores. Theyll want to prove a lot of people wrong whove been doubting them, and its a very exciting time for them.Vince, who is capped at one-day international and T20 level, is likely to make a first Test appearance after a decent start to the County Championship season including a century against Roots Yorkshire.James played extremely well against Yorkshire a few weeks ago, Root said. Hes been one of the guys over the past couple of years who have kept proving themselves.Englands other uncapped call-up, Nottinghamshire seam bowler Jake Ball, has also enjoyed success against Yorkshire this season and twice dismissed Root during a Division One game at Trent Bridge. Who is Jake Ball? A look at Englands new seamer He did for me, Root said. He was far too good for me, and hes a very talented cricketer.England will face tourists who have had to deal with the retirements of Test greats Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara since they won a two-match series on their last visit in 2014. Jake Ball twice dismissed Joe Root during Nottinghamshires Championship match against Yorkshire But Root said: It would be silly to be arrogant and think were going to wipe the floor with them. They have a lot of guys with a lot of talent who could do some special things in Test cricket.Roots team-mate Stuart Broad added: There is a bit of revenge to be had.I played in the Test matches at the start of 2014 and that was a tough time to play. It was quite an emotional series, it really hurt us as a team to lose in our own conditions.We know when we play Sri Lanka they play with a lot of pride and passion. Theyre always in the battle and they beat us in that battle last time.Vitality is partnering with England cricketer Joe Root who will take on the role of Ambassador. Joe will use his passion for healthy living to inspire everyone to be active and make positive changes to their lifestyle. Please visit
www.vitality.co.uk for further information. Also See: Vince, Ball get England call Who is Jake Ball? England fixtures/results Get Sky Sports
Darnell Savage Jr. Super Bowl Jersey . Today, well look at five frontcourt players today, here from the Bay Area. 1. AMIR JOHNSON (Raptors): I cant figure out what the issue or problem is, but based upon what Im seeing, hes not right.
Mason Crosby Super Bowl Jersey . In a matchup of teams battling head-to-head for the final playoff spot in Major League Soccers Western Conference, the Whitecaps run to the post-season took a hard hit when FC Dallas blew open a tie game with two goals in the final minutes for a 3-1 victory Saturday night.ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers reliever Tanner Scheppers is going back on the disabled list because of right elbow inflammation less than a week after a return from the same problem. Scheppers, who became a starter in the spring and got the opening day nod because of an injury to Yu Darvish, went back to the bullpen when he returned and made four aappearances in six games.
Bryan Bulaga Super Bowl Jersey. The 27-year-old Scheppers missed a month and a half with the original elbow problem after making four starts. He is 0-1 with 9.00 ERA. Its the 20th DL move for the injury-riddled Rangers this season. Texas brought up right-hander Ben Rowen from Triple-A Round Rock. He has yet to appear in the majors. ' ' '