Dom Bess added to England squad for Edgbaston Test against New Zealand

Yorkshire spinner called in as cover with Jack Leach in line for recall

Bess, the offspinning allrounder, has effectively been called-up to provide cover for Jack Leach. While Leach, England’s first-choice spinner, is understood to be fully fit, current Covid protocols render it complicated and time-consuming to bring players into the squad from county cricket.

While he is not expected to play in the second Test, it seems safe to assume England are highly likely to recall Leach on a surface which has tended to provide assistance to spin in recent years.

“The reason we’ve added Dom is that any cover we may need has to be in here with us,” Chris Silverwood, the England coach, said. “If Jack was to feature, we would need back-up for him in terms of concussion replacements and things like that.

“If we are looking at playing a spinner and Jack were to get injured leading into the game, then we will need someone else there as well. It’s making sure we cover that.

“Are we expecting a spinning wicket? We will see when we get there, but I’m making sure we’ve got every base covered.”