England spinner Dom Bess has said that it was extremely difficult for him to accept that he was dropped from the playing XI, despite picking 17 wickets in the first three Test matches of the winter. Bess had also done brilliantly well in the first Test against India in Chennai, picking four wickets, as visitors won by 227 runs.
Bess claimed 17 wickets in his first three matches of the winter, two against Sri Lanka and the series-opening victory in Chennai, but struggled for consistency at times and sent down a number of full tosses in an uncertain final spell.
Dom Bess [Image Credits: Reuters]However, England captain Joe Root has all but confirmed that Dom Bess will return to England XI for the fourth and final Test against India, at Motera, Ahmedabad. England had missed the services of the second spinner in the third Test at the same venue, in which Joe Root picked 5/8.
It Was Certainly A Tough Pill To Swallow: Dom Bess
Talking about his experience, Dom Bess admitted he didn’t see it (him getting dropped from England XI) coming and it was a hard pill to swallow.
“It was certainly a tough pill to swallow. I didn’t see it round the corner. Personally, I didn’t think I needed it but, as time went on, it was probably the best option. I do think a lot about the game. I’m always trying to get better, whether thinking about it or doing it physically.
Dom Bess [Image Credits: PTI]So the hardest part for me was getting away from it and I guess the management did it for me. It has freshened me up, I’ve thought about things and then had time to work on it. Hopefully, I’ll look back over the period and think it’s actually been a real success heading into this last game. Now, for six or 12 months’ time…I was happy, probably, with that break,” said Bess.
I’ll Always Give My All: Dom Bess
Given that England is looking to play him in the fourth Test match, Dom Bess says that he is fit and raring to go against India, on a pitch which Joe Root described similar to that on which the third Test was played.
Joe Root and Dom Bess (BCCI)
“I certainly am. It’s a massive honor to play for your country. I’ll always give my all. I’m in a great space right now to come back in. We’re under a bit of pressure, but it’s a great opportunity to perform. I know I’m ready. It’s very exciting if I get the chance to head out with 10 other blokes to try to draw the series,” Bess said.
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