The Managing Director of England's Men's Cricket Ashley Giles believes Dom Sibley's incredible form left them with no choice but to pick him for the forthcoming Test series in New Zealand.
Bears legend Ashley Giles believes Dom Sibley couldn’t have done any more to get an England Test call up.
Sibley flies out with the England travelling party for two Tests against New Zealand at the end of November on Monday.
Dom Sibley’s done everything he possibly can and deserves his chance.
Ashley Giles
The 24-year-old has had an unbelievable 14 months where he’s accrued a staggering 1,324 runs in 21 innings at an average of 69.68.
That gigantic total put the opener top of the tree domestically and earned plenty of media support, but it was also the Epsom-born’s style of play which also appeals to the England hierarchy.
Sibley faced a 1,000 more balls than anyone else, whilst scoring five dominating centuries from the front, showcasing his determination to bat long through concentration, technique and strength of mind.
Sibley has always spoken with pride about his ability to see out tough spells of good bowling and for Giles that was another feather in the cap.
“We’re delighted for him and we often talk about banging the door down and he couldn’t have done it much more,” said Giles, who was speaking at the WOCCA Golf Day which helps raise money for Warwickshire Youth Cricket.
“In the last 14 months, he’s scored a ridiculous amount of runs and he’s faced over a 1,000 balls more than anyone else in the country.
“I can’t talk for Chris Silverwood and Joe Root but we are probably looking for people at the top of the order who can bat a serious amount of time and get runs.
“Dom Sibley’s done everything he possibly can and deserves his chance.”
Despite not being involved directly in his selection, Giles is a big fan of the tall right-hander.
Having scored a double-century at the age of 18 for his home county Surrey, Sibley found his way to Warwickshire halfway through the 2017 season.
Giles, who was then Sport Director, signed the promising batsman to partner fellow recruit Will Rhodes.
“Dom’s very mature for his years, it was a real coup for us signing him and he’s settled in really well,” added the now Managing Director of England’s Men’s Cricket.
“I hope it’s the beginning of a really long relationship and I believe he’s just signed a new contract so that’s great for him.
“I hope from here his career goes from strength to strength.”
Aside from Sibley, there was praise for another Bear – Chris Woakes.
Woakes continued to show his great importance to England following a summer where he starred with both the red and white ball.
The all-rounder claimed the England Overall Most Valuable Player award after the final Ashes Test.
“I’ve known Chris for a long time now and he hasn’t changed a lot really,” Giles concluded.
“He’s always been that consistent guy in the dressing room, the one who works hard every day, keeps his emotions pretty level and he’s a really good cricketer.
“Warwickshire are lucky to have him and so are England.”
