England’s Jake Ball eager to prove critics wrong

Reuters: Fast bowler Jake Ball hoped that his performance on his test debut against Pakistan would help silence those critics who questioned his inclusion in the team. 

The 25-year-old, who was brought in to replace injured James Anderson, looked threatening early on, and was duly rewarded in his second spell when he trapped Azhar Ali lbw to pick up his first international wicket.

Ball finished with figures of one for 51 in 19 overs at the end of the first day’s play.

“People were sending me messages the day before and the advice was to enjoy it,” Ball told British media.

“I took that into today (Thursday) and hopefully proved to people I can play test cricket.”

Ball also credited his county team mate Stuart Broad and uncle, England’s wicketkeeping coach Bruce French, for helping him to settle down nerves on the first day.