Cricket World Cup star Jason Roy moved closer to a test debut after being named in England's squad Wednesday for its one-off match against Ireland at Lord's.
The hard-hitting opener and white-ball specialist is set to make his test debut at the same ground where England, including Roy, beat New Zealand in the World Cup final on Sunday after a thrilling Super Over.
Although a 13-man squad has been selected to face Ireland in the one-off test starting July 24, England chairman of selectors Ed Smith said Roy would make his debut against Ireland and told Sky Sports: "We have total confidence he will be able to adapt to red-ball cricket."
England ODI vice-captain Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes — man of the match in the final — have been rested ahead of the Ashes series against Australia which begins Aug. 1.
Seamer Mark Wood has been ruled out for four to six weeks with the left side strain sustained in the World Cup final.
Jofra Archer, who bowled the Super Over, is also missing because of a side strain and will be given a period of rest before being considered for Ashes selection. An ECB statement said: "He will have a short break in Barbados before returning to the UK later this month."
Somerset and England Lions allrounder Lewis Gregory makes his first appearance in a test squad, while Warwickshire pace bowler Olly Stone has overcome a back injury to make his second appearance.
Smith said England seamer James Anderson is "making good progress and, if he's fit to play without risk against Ireland, that's a possibility."
England squad: Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Lewis Gregory, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
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