Hampshire’s Batsman of the Year, Michael Carberry, has been called into the England Test squad as cover for the injured Paul Collingwood. Collingwood dislocated a finger during practice on the third morning of the Durban Test and is a doubt for Cape Town.

First Team Manager Giles White is delighted with the news. “I am thrilled for Carbs,” he said. “His call up is testament to the progress he has made as a player over the last couple of years. If he gets his chance in Cape Town it will be thoroughly deserved.”

Hampshire’s Executive Chairman Rod Bransgrove was very pleased to hear the news too. "Michael Carberry's call-up confirms just how close he is to full International recognition. If he gets his chance in Cape Town, I have no doubt that he will give a good account of himself and stake a claim for a regular place in the England Team."

Despite playing only twelve First Class matches last season due to injury, Carberry made an impressive 1,251 runs at an average of 69.5, which included a double hundred, four further centuries and eight fifties. This prolific form led to his selection for the A Group of the England Performance Programme and he has already spent much of the winter with them in South Africa. Carberry was one of only two players to make a century during the tour matches and also took two catches.

It is likely that Carberry’s impressive reputation as a fielder helped to push his selection ahead of other England hopefuls such as Joe Denly. Although as an opening batsman Carberry is not a like for like replacement for Collingwood, his athleticism in the field makes him a more rounded choice to step into the Durham man’s shoes.

The third Test starts in Cape Town on January 3rd.

 

Jane Cable
 

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