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Want to show people what I’m capable of doing: England’s Virdi eyes Test debut

Manchester, June 27 (IANS) 21-year-old spinner Amir Virdi is part of the 30-man England squad that is training for their upcoming series against the West Indies. While he is the least experienced amongst the spinners in the group, Virdi says that he intends to do all he can to play the first Test beginning July 8 at the Ageas Bowl.

“I definitely want to be playing in the first Test and I want to be in the squad,” Virdi was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. “If I didn’t want to do that I probably shouldn’t be here.”

Virdi has picked up 69 wickets in 29 first-class matches and was part of the Surrey side that won the County Championship in 2018. However, to make it to the England team, he will have to stave off more experienced players in Moeen Ali, Jack Leach, Dom Bess and Matt Parkinson.

“I’m here and I want to play Test cricket,” he said. “I want to show people what I’m capable of doing. I’m very proud of myself that I’ve got to this stage. The next stage is about pushing for a Test place and whenever that does happen, I’m going to keep working hard.”

The three-match Test series will mark the resumption of international cricket which was halted in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The second and the third Test will be played at the Old Trafford from July 16 and 24 respectively. All the matches will be played in bio-secure environments with both sides already at the venue preparing for their return to competitive cricket.

–IANS

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