England selectors name 9 uncapped players in new squad against Pakistan after COVID-19 outbreak
London: England selectors have named an 18-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan after three players and four staff members tested COVID-19 positive.
"The announcement comes after the news that three members of the initial playing group and four members of the management staff had tested positive for COVID-19, and consequently the entire squad initially selected was required to isolate," read a statement issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Unprecedented times but a proud moment for our nine potential debutants.#ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/ZoNbJln0HO
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 6, 2021
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes will return to the squad to captain the side and Chris Silverwood, who had been due to take some time away during the white-ball series, is back as Head Coach.
Nine uncapped players were named in the squad.
Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Ashley Giles, said: "It's a great opportunity to play on the biggest stage, and for most of the players selected it's not necessarily something they would have been expecting 24 hours ago."
"It's an exciting group of players, with some young talent and some players who have impressed at domestic level over a long period of time," he said.
"We're in unprecedented territory, in terms of replacing an entire squad and management team, and I'm very proud of how everyone has come together in order to get it done - both those within the ECB and from the county game," Giles said.
The ECB can confirm that seven members of the England Men's ODI party have tested positive for COVID-19.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 6, 2021
"Ben hasn't captained our ODI side before so it's a huge honour for him. We all wish him well and it's a role I'm sure he'll thrive in," the cricketer said.
"I'd like to also put on record the thanks of the ECB to the PCB for their support and understanding during this time," he said.
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