Jones: Injuries make us better
Jones: Injuries make us better
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Monday, 08, May 2006 10:03
England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones has insisted that the current spate of injuries is making the team stronger by creating a deeper squad.
The team's injury problems since the Ashes win last summer have been well documented and they go into Thursday's first Test against Sri Lanka with five players out.
However, Jones believes that the situation is giving players more chances at international level and this can only be good for the long-term future of the national side.
"It has been disjointed with people coming and going but in terms of the future that is a good thing as it shows we are creating a good depth to our squad," Jones said.
"People have stepped in and done well when they have played and so, although it is disappointing we are missing the quality of players we are, it is rather rosy at the moment not bleak."
England's injury problems are greatest in the bowling department and both Gloucestershire's Jon Lewis and Lancashire's Sajid Mahmood could be in line for Test debuts.
However, the fact that these players are getting the chance at international level is a positive thing for Jones, a point which was emphasised by chairman of selectors David Graveney when he announced the squad.
Despite new players coming in though, Jones knows that winning is important and that the side must get back on track after a disappointing winter on the sub-continent.
"The first four Tests against Australia showed what we can do as a side and the biggest thing going into the Ashes this coming November is to make sure we have a good summer behind us," Jones added.
"I felt terrible coming away from that tour of Pakistan because winning is something I have become accustomed to in my England career."
As well as the uncapped Lewis and Mahmood, there are plenty of relatively inexperienced players in the England squad with only five of the 13 having played over 15 Tests.