England’s Dom Sibley is the ‘best opener in the country’ says teammate Michael Burgess
- Planet Sport writer
- 26 May 2022
As preparations continue for England’s Test clash with New Zealand, Dom Sibley will be looking to reassert his international credentials as part of the County Select XI.
Sibley, alongside his Warwickshire teammate Michael Burgess, will both take part in the warm-up fixture against New Zealand in Chelmsford.
However, while Burgess sees the call-up as reward for his prolific start to the season, Sibley will be hoping to catch the eye of England selectors as he looks to force himself back into the elite.
The 26-year-old was dropped last summer after a modest run in the team, scoring just one half-century in 15 innings.
But with Haseeb Hameed and Rory Burns facing the axe after a poor Ashes series, and incumbents Alex Lees and Zak Crawley yet to prove themselves, Sibley has an opportunity to add to his 22 international caps.
Burgess, who has played with Sibley since their early years in Epsom, expects his teammate to prove himself during the upcoming warm-up clash with New Zealand.
He said: "I've always classed Sibbo as the best opener in the country. I think he can be the one to cement that place down.
Stunning from Dom Sibley 😍
— LV= Insurance County Championship (@CountyChamp) May 5, 2022
His century included some glorious shots 💯#LVCountyChamp pic.twitter.com/7jMoJhZxpz
"If he can come out this week and get some runs against New Zealand, he can show why he should be back opening the batting for England. I would love Dom to get in and I've no doubt he would do well.
"I know he's itching to get back with England and he's not shirked away from anything. If anything it has motivated him. He's worked even harder than ever to get back in and technically he looks brilliant.
"I think he's a better player now that when he played first time around. He's always had the mental toughness to endure - I remember him scoring double hundreds in Under-15s cricket - but his work-rate over the winter was just incredible. He looks a completely different player."
Burgess is also keen to continue his own hot steak, having produced recent scores of 170 and 178 in the county championship.
"I'm delighted to be given the chance to play against one of the best teams in the world, it's a great opportunity," he added.
"When a new regime comes in everyone who hasn't played for England is back on that level playing field, because fresh eyes see things differently.
"Everyone who plays county cricket has the aspiration to play for England, we all want to get there and see where we stand. This will be a great chance to test myself over four days: do well and your name is up in lights and if you don't, you learn more about what you need to do better."
